So often, when seeking radical improvements in behaviours, Outcomes or results, my clients focus on what they don't have or what they don't do and what they need to start from scratch or bring in from outside. That might look like trying to buy new talent or expertise into an organisation or to develop new ways of being and working as team. Sometimes this is wise but, more often than not, one key step is to start by looking at what they're already doing well and then working out how to do more of it.
As I help clients to develop this perspective, they discover that bright-spotting is effective on a number of fronts, it's efficient - saving time, energy and money either re-inventing the wheel or seeking to buy new wheels. Bright-spotting is also energising
- recognising what you already have tends to build the kind of motivation and resilience which is the basis of sustainable success. Bright-spotting is also exciting and encouraging - in that it
often shines a light on underrecognised or underused skills and strengths in a team or organisation.
Like the star the Magi followed, or the Christmas lights which echo it, bright-spotting brings deeper clarity - illuminating a way forward by highlighting what already exists. I think of a current
client, a scale-up who have been trying to develop a new product in one area of the business - only to look within and realise that a member of their senior team in another area has the skills and expertise to deliver what their customers need in some pretty transformational ways.
Whether you're a team, organisation or
an individual, it is always much easier to try and repeat or amplify behaviours or strengths that already exist than to create new ones from scratch. The key is to take time to objectively and rigorously identify and examine those bright spots. Others can be helpful here.
So, as 2023 comes to a close, in the spirit of starting the new year at work more efficiently, more energised, more excited and more encouraged, it might be worth doing a little bright-spotting of your own.
Why not look back over the past year and bright spot by asking,
"What is one thing that I did really effectively at work this year that I would like to do more of next year?"
It could be something you just started doing in 2023 or something you doubled down on - anything from the way you managed meetings or training or development or the way you sold yourself
or your business. It could be a new way of speaking to your team or colleagues or customers or a new venture or a new boldness in acting, delegating or owning your authority without apology or a new way of stepping up. It could something you'd been meaning to do for ages or that this year called forth from you in a surprising way.
Once you've done your bright-spotting, take a moment to pat yourself on the back!
Then you can follow on with "What made it so effective?"*** and finally "What would it look like to do more of it in the coming year?"***
I hope bright-spotting helps as you seek to develop more clarity at work in the coming year. As always, let me know your thoughts and how it goes. It's been
super helpful to hear what you've taken from "To Be Clear..." over 2023. Next up, a little bit on what you've given.
