Magic Moments with Attitude

Who has ever measured someone they met on first impressions? Who has ever measured someone they have interacted with in a meeting, an interaction, a moment in time? Why are they called "Magic Moments?" Because each and every time you interact with someone you leave an impression and "what you want to be known for." Intimidation, bad reaction, negative aura, negativity, . . . . Or solution-focused, cooperation, forgiving, understanding, realistic, partnership.

My overall perspective on the concept of Magic Moments is that as the moment in time where you are measured, it is arguably the most important concept to master. Being approachable, a thinking partner, understanding of situations, able to provide constructive vs. destructive input are all important characteristics that are perceived or reassured with each and every interaction.

The ability to be able to get past the maybe somewhat disappointing information and turn the situation in to a moment to build a relationship, build a big "R", to show that people can count on you and will want to seek you out, is a powerful responsibility. People who understand that they can come to you with the good and the bad only raises your value in the organization. It is a true measure of leadership. It is a talent that, in the moment, often alludes me. Getting good at taking a “magic moment” after the moment, is still a work-in-progress for me. I’ve had some success, however if I were to give myself a grade, I think I might be a strong D.

While I have taught myself over the years to be able to get past the bad news and move on to a solution, I only realized recently that my body language and sarcasm was getting in the way of the message. I appreciate it being brought to my attention. I understand it is a disappointment, now what can we do to move it forward and solve the issue. How many times do I still catch myself saying, "man I could have handled that situation better"? Many.

So while I am not always great at taking a “Magic Moment” in the moment, I am working diligently all the time to make sure I improve in that area. I will say that when I stop myself from reacting in stressful situations, take a moment to take a breath, I find I can quiet my mind and provide a much better outcome by consciously thinking the response through.

Appreciation, Celebration and Gratitude

When I look back at how many great projects and teams I have been a part of, it immediately gets me on a roll. The hard work and extra hours my team put in to get the project or projects finished.....the late night email's and phone calls. The sense of excitement in our actions and plans. The thrill when a team member comes up with a new idea or way of doing something. The feeling of a job well done and being a part of something really successful.

So many of these memories, yet when I look at the full circle of the journey it always seems to stop short. Something missing. So many times we have such a great journey but fail to stop and celebrate our success as a team, both during and after the journey. It seems my team (and I assume most teams) usually jump right into the next project or problem full speed ahead and fail to stop and celebrate our most recent success as a team. I truly believe that without Appreciation, Celebration and Gratitude embedded into our culture on a day by day basis we will not find the "Wellness" that truly belongs there. I am part of and have been a part of some fantastic teams. If I had stopped to take an extra breath, sharing mutual appreciation, showing more gratitude and then celebrating together with them I wonder what we really could have, or better yet...can accomplish.

People want to be great and I have found that by focusing on this tool every day and using the 3 S's of Yes (giving Sincere, Specific and Selective recognition) that it has helped me create greater appreciation and gratitude within my group and gives us even more of a reason to pause and celebrate together as a team.