Imagine the biggest challenge you are working on right now. It could be a challenge because it’s a big project, or a task that is hard for you, or even a task you dread. Either way, we all have projects where it feels like we are plowing, moving slowly and not moving towards completion. I recently led a training for two people. Early on day two, I said…”It’s a lot easier to participate in a training with 6-8 people because each person in the group takes a turn working and plowing while others rest. When there are just two people, both people need to plow and work hard the whole time.” By the end of day two, they were full, happy and exhausted because they both plowed for the full two days. I wonder who are you plowing with this week?
As a small business owner, I’m use to pulling that plow solo. And yet, I know there are times when I need someone to help me pull. I’m very strategic about who I help me plow.
One way to think about who can help you plow is through the Domains of Strengths Finder.
Each of the 34 themes is listed in one of these domains. I have areas where I have lesser talents and so when I am plowing and I need help, I turn to people who have strengths in those areas. For example:
My Plow Needs Are:
Executing: Consistency is a strength of knowing, understanding and applying policies. I don’t know all the human resource policies in an organization and I appreciate it when someone fills me in. For example, during a recent workshop I shortened the break to 10 minutes because we were running a little late. Gratefully, a women with consistency pulled me aside and said there are hourly people in this workshop and state law requires a 15 minute break. She helped me plow better!
Influencing: Competition is a strength of working towards being number one. This is not a driver for me. I often turn to marketing consultants to help me brand and promote my business, website and give me social media ideas. My website would not be where it is if it were not for the help of All Stages Marketing and Resonate to Generate.
Relationship Building I have a lot of relationship building themes. And, sometimes what I need most is just a deep, honest authentic conversation with a colleague. I swap coaching with a coach I admire once a month. Together we coach each other. She pulls my plow, I pull hers.
Strategic Thinking I have never been the most number focused person and I need a person with analytical skills. Fortunately, my husband has a number mind and helps me think through the finances, trends, etc… of my business. He pulls harder than me sometimes on this but I’ve learned a lot by having him plow with me instead of just letting him plow.
As you enter into this week. Who can you plow with?
