Doing Nothing Leads to
'Columbo Wisdom':

Leadership Skill & Motivation Information

I come across leadership motivation information all the time, even when I am focused on 'doing-nothing'!!

Recently, while surfing the 'Net, I found a 'gem' on networking site LinkedIn. One of my connections listed his favorite activities: scuba diving, biking and 'doing-nothing'. Instead of sharing things that made him appear like Superman, he included the truth: that he likes to 'do-nothing'.

I just love it when people choose to tell the truth over looking good. Don't you? AND I can relate. I like to 'do-nothing' sometimes, too!

To others, based on what they say to me, I must appear energetic. By their comments I can tell they think that I'm busy, bursting with energy and motivation information, all the time.

I guess I can be kind of energetic sometimes, but the truth is I just look like I have tons of energy. I think those 'energy bursts' are because I take 'do-nothing' breaks - days and sometimes entire weekends - when I need them.

As soon as I start to feel overwhelmed, cranky, edgy or just bored - I know a 'do-nothing' break is needed. I try to catch the signs early or it gets really ugly! (Just ask my husband.)

When it's 'do-nothing' time I pick 'put my brain on pause' activities. Some of my options include: a nap, a walk with Oscar (my dog and office buddy), writing in my journal outside on my deck, shopping (when I really don't need a thing!) or reading mystery books and fitness magazines.

My husband's 'doing-nothing' options look a little different and involve things like: working on his car and spending time in his wood shop.

It doesn't matter what you choose in your I'm 'doing-nothing' time...just pick something helps YOU relax.

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 ever produced. I know it sounds so-not-hip and so old. I am not old, but I do love Columbo. I love his character because he's unassuming, smart, crafty in a nice way AND he always figures out what happened!

Recently I needed to follow my own advice and 'do-nothing,' and even though Columbo is supposed to be a 'putting my busy-brain-on-pause activity', I found this leadership skill and motivation information:

Three Leadership Motivation Information
Pearls of Wisdom From Columbo:

1. Stay Close. Columbo always gets to know the suspect. He even gets the suspect involved in solving the crime!
2. Ask Questions and Listen Aggressively. Columbo 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 Columbo remains calm and neutral in his responses.

These three attributes help Columbo solve every case AND can serve as key leadership motivation information to help you engage the people you are leading.

These three pearls of wisdom work especially well with those you trying to work with and lead unhappy or 'difficult' employees.

Using Columbo Wisdom we can decide to manage, not ignore, disgruntled employees, customers, friends or family members. We can use this leadership motivation information to choose to examine, move toward, and into, the situation.

Choosing to get close and involve the "suspect" by asking questions, seeking to understand, working to remain neutral and non-defensive, (Side note: taking deep breathes can help ya' with the last one!) can help get answers and gain insight into what's really happening in the situation/'crime'.

That's why this skill: Leading By Inviting Participation and Input is one of the Four Skills That Make or Break All Leaders.

A great way to get opinions, perceptions and information from people in organizations is by conducting online surveys (can include: organizational climate, team effectiveness, 360 feedback, customer support and post training organizational support surveys).

This feedback can provide clues that will help you solve performance mysteries on the team.

Online surveys work because they provide a non-threatening avenue for getting close. People can express and share their ideas and feelings within a lightly structured framework.

Just choosing to tune-in to someone who's disgruntled, by asking sincere questions with a sincere desire to understand (not debate),can change the dynamic, and help you move toward more answers and less resistance.

Hey wait a minute... my Columbo reruns have been become instructive! How did that happen?

I guess I can still keep it as one of my favorite ‘do-nothing’ activities and so can you.

The next time you need motivation information AND 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 break AND you’ll see a pro demonstrate this key leadership and communication skill.

ONLINE TRAINING WORKSHOP:

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Get more leadership skill and motivation information, with this article: The Definition of Leadership.

Another related article: My Best Relationship Problem Advice, Stop Giving Advice!

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