08.05.2024

Let’s Get Dirty | Breathe | Leading In The Flow

Hello there! Welcome to my weekly LEAPS. 

You’re receiving this email because you subscribed to my weekly Wednesday feature or our mailing list. Every Wednesday, I share 5 things using our LEAPS approach: 

Learn: something new or an idea
Energy: an energy (good or bad) word and it’s meaning
Action: something to do
Processing: a question to consider
Shout out: something or someone that I want to celebrate or acknowledge

LEARN
Something Worth Sharing

Let’s Get Dirty

I often get asked - when working with students on their entrepreneurial module within their Master’s Degree - what defines an entrepreneur. Of course there many definitions that exist and articles written on the subject. My personal view is that the one that describes an entrepreneur as someone that ‘starts a business’ is at the least, ‘lacking’. I’ve come across many people in life and business who have entrepreneurial qualities and yet have not started businesses. I’ve met nurses and teachers, for example, who demonstrate entrepreneurial traits on a regular basis.

So what is it that makes an entrepreneur - and is it a quality that one is born with or can it be taught? My best explanation of an entrepreneur is far from glamorous! It’s the person that is willing to get dirty. To go below the surface of the ‘norm’ and what is expected, to seek out, create, challenge and sometimes take risks - but risks that are usually driven by great instincts.

Imagine a piece of land with a bench on it. There are lots of people in life that are content to sit on the bench and wait for whatever does or doesn’t come their way - and that’s okay. An entrepreneur, however, while sitting, will spot a hole in the ground - just far enough away that they feel compelled to get up and go to it. They’ll get down on the floor and wonder what might exist a little further down - where it’s out of sight. They might have had an idea that they think could have an answer down this mysterious hole. They start to dig. Something in them is telling them to keep digging despite getting dirty.

That’s my experience of entrepreneurship. Sometimes getting dirty leads to the gems under the surface. Sometimes digging and getting dirty increases your resilience and strength. On occasions you learn better techniques for digging and so next time you’re quicker, despite not finding anything of value on this occasion. What is for sure though, is that getting dirty is part of the fun and something certainly some of us love! Why not roll the sleeves up and join in?

ENERGY
Focusing on an emotion or energy; a stand-out word / s

Flow

The word ‘slow’ features in the visual at the end of this LEAPS. The word is from Old English FLOWAN meaning "stream, issue; become liquid, melt; abound, overflow". It’s a great word to have in the ‘energy’ section - as this is something that can either flow or get stuck in humans.

ACTION
Something small that you can do that might make a big difference

Breathe

When we are stressed or anxious, it impacts our breathing. Breathing is literally a life-source, so being more conscious of breathing - and how to use it well - is so important. Take a moment to stop what you’re doing and just breathe - while being mindful of inhaling and exhaling. Try to drop your shoulder a little and relax.

PROCESSING
A question to think about and consider (you can discuss this with someone or write your thoughts down)

“What is triggering your emotional responses?”

This question can refer to triggering positive or negative emotions. How aware are you of who and what triggers your emotions? This is important because it impacts your behaviour and actions.

I’d love for you to send me your own stories / thoughts about this. Drop me a line with your answer / thoughts on this question

SHOUT OUT
Who / what I think deserves recognition, my gratitude or to be celebrated.

The Sunshine

Nature is amazing - and at the moment in the UK we’re finally getting to enjoy a certain aspect of it…the sunshine. The wonderful feeling of light in the morning is just pure joy. Everything and everyone seems a little brighter and more positive. A simple shout out to the early summer sunshine!

BONUS GIFT FOR YOU
This week’s little extra for you - from me

This week I’m gifting you two visuals - each taken from separate articles in the Harvard Business Review.

• The first is Leading in the Flow of Work (enter code INFLOW)

• The second is Ask Smarter Questions (enter code 5DOMAINS)

The visual synopsis pieces (below) are available to you for free (for 7 days) using the codes shown above in bold when you check out.

Access is via the links below.

The artwork featured in this section is all copyrighted and for private use only. If you wish to use these online, in blogs / features or in presentations etc - we are happy to discuss licences. Please get in touch. The downloads do not have watermarks.

If you’d like to discuss having your ideas, business or culture captured visually - you can also let me know via email.

DON’T FORGET TO TRY
THE BRAND NEW ASSESSMENT FREE OF CHARGE!

THE CONFIDENCE AND CLARITY BUILDER

LEAPS is a process used by our team and clients all the time - and even my own family on a daily basis. 

I’ll be sharing a set of LEAPS each week with you and encourage you to do your own version:

• L: what have you learned?

• E: what’s your energy / feeling word

• A: what’s one thing you need to do?

• P: what are you thinking / processing?

• S: who or what can you shout out?