I love it when people choose truth over looking good.
For example, when listing his hobbies on his Linked In account a colleague listed his favorite activities: scuba diving, biking and ‘doing nothing’. Instead of listing things that make him appear like super man, he included the truth-that he likes to 'do nothing'.
I can relate. I too like to 'do nothing'.
From the comments I get from friends and clients, I think they think I’m busy and bursting with energy all the time.
The truth is that because I take ‘do nothing‘ breaks, days and sometimes entire weekends, when I need them and without much guilt, I have what appears to be a lot of energy.
I know when a ‘do nothing’ break is needed when I feel overwhelmed, cranky, edgy or just bored. I try to catch the signs early or it gets really ugly! (Just ask my husband.)
When ‘do nothing’ time calls I try to find something that’ll allow me to put my brain on pause and rest.
Options include: a nap, a walk with Oscar (my dog and office buddy), writing in my journal on my deck, shopping (when I really don’t need a thing) or sometimes reading mystery books and fitness magazines.
But my absolute favorite ‘do nothing’ activity is… now, don’t laugh…
Watching murder mystery reruns of homicide detective Columbo. Thanks to Costco (love that place) I’ve got every Columbo episode. I know it sounds so-not-hip and so old. But I love watching these shows.
Columbo is unassuming, smart, crafty in a nice way AND he always figures out what happened.
Recently I had a need to ‘do nothing’ and I was taking a break. Even though Columbo is supposed to be a putting my busy brain-on-pause activity, I found three communication and leadership pearls of wisdom in Columbo’s approach:
1) Stay close – He always gets to know and involves the suspect in solving the crime.
2) Ask questions and listen aggressively – He always seeks to understand by asking and listening, not by talking. He listens closely and observes every detail intently.
3) Stay neutral – When the suspect gets angry or defensive he remains calm and non-defensive.
These three attributes help Columbo solve every case AND can help leaders engage employees and clients, especially those who are unhappy or difficult. Often when difficulties with other people or situations occur we want to do one of two things:
1) Act like the problem doesn’t exist
2) Brand the perceived ‘troublemaker/suspect’ as bad and distance ourselves.
With these two normal and usual reactions, the problem doesn’t really ever go away, it just gets bigger.
Using Columbo wisdom, we can decide to not ignore disgruntled people. Instead we choose to move toward the situation and the people involved. We can get close, involving each person by asking questions, seeking to understanding, remaining neutral and non-defensive. With this approach we’ll find the possibility of making the situation new.
One of the best ways to get opinions and perceptions out in the open allowing you to get close, ask questions and remain neutral is by conducting online surveys. Organizational climate, team effectiveness, leadership 360 feedback, customer support and post training organizational support surveys help get honest feedback. T
his feedback serves as clues and insight for solving performance mysteries.
Online surveys provide a non-threatening venue for getting close. People can express and share their ideas and feelings within a lightly structured framework.
To review seven key steps an organization can take to ensure a successful survey experience and Must-Have Behaviors for High Performance Feedback, click here.
Hey wait a minute, my Colombo reruns just turned instructive, how did that happen? I guess I can still keep it as one of my favorite ‘do nothing’ activities.
The next time you need a “do nothing’ break, try Columbo. If you’re like me you’ll find a laugh or two, be a little intrigued, really enjoy your ‘do nothing’ break and you’ll see a pro demonstrate then key leadership and communication skills.
