Are you a stone or a sponge???

So what the heck do I mean by 'are you a stone or a sponge?'  Well, I'm hoping there's lots of sponges out there!

It's simply another way of describing how we think and behave.  In recent times, companies have started to realise that creating the right kind of culture is top of their list.  It's simple really when you think about it, build a safe, welcoming environment, keep your employees happy - boom, winning at life, or winning at business should I say.

Stones are seen as being very rigid in their thinking, not willing to learn new things or listen to other people's ideas.  They tend to do their own thing and go their own way without really taking other people's feelings into consideration.

Sponges do exactly what it says on the tin, they're willing to soak up new information and learn different ways of doing something and they will always listen to others.  They may not agree 100% all of the time but they'll listen and be willing to hear other the other person's point of view.

So, here's a little hint ... both companies, and other people, like 'sponges'!

How to be more 'sponge-like':

• Open your eyes and see the 'bigger picture' - What task are you currently doing?  What's the end impact of completing that task?  It doesn't have to be mind-blowing, for example:

• I book a meeting for my boss - I send him all the details and collate all the information he needs.  The impact is that he'll be in the right place at the right time with the right information, enabling him to make decisions with other leaders that will influence the business.

• Be aware of your surroundings - You've heard the phrase 'soaking up the atmosphere' right?  Well do just that:

• What's going on around you?
• What can you see, hear, taste, smell, touch?
• How do you feel physically and mentally?

• Be more curious and open to new ideas - Be more in the moment and less on autopilot.  Start with the simplest and daftest of things, for example:

• I was running a bath the other day and was mesmerised by the different shapes, sizes and patterns of the bubbles (I know, don't judge me!).
• Instead of turning on the radio and half listening to the song in the background, start thinking of ridiculous questions such as 'I wonder how long it took to write that song', 'How many people were involved in the production of it' etc etc.
• When you're preparing dinner and chopping up the veggies, take a moment to wonder who grew them, where the farmer lives, how long did it take for them from being picked to ending up on your plate.

Sounds a little bit weird I know, but doing things like the above helps to open up your mind to new ideas and experiences and be more sponge-like.

The next time you find yourself shutting down your own idea or someone else's idea, and you will, I can guarantee that because it's human nature, try to stop for a moment and listen and learn.

#2021