ability to focus sharply on one and only one target is worth thinking about as a human .
In the business world — but also in the private area — multitasking has become standard . We listen to the radio while we drive the car , read our emails while we are in meetings , check Facebook on our breaks . Africa ’ s predators narrow down their sight and energy to the most important thing in that second and immerse themselves completely . Observing this behavior , it should be no surprise that humans would benefit mimicking it . Multitasking should no longer be a badge of honor . By focusing all your attention on one project or task at a time , you increase productivity and decrease your stress levels .
Further , your customers , in particular , don ’ t appreciate it when you multitask . When speaking with a customer , leave the phone in your office , don ’ t think about an important meeting you have coming up and focus your attention on making this one interaction the most important of your day . If you set that example , your staff will follow , and your customers will feel a difference .
The Prerequisites of Speed The fastest land mammal is the cheetah . They can reach full speed of up to 70 miles per hour within 90 seconds . Every part of their body — their long legs , small heads with streamlined ears and large lungs — are perfectly designed for speed .
Cheetahs don ’ t carry any extra bulk , contrary to many businesses . There is a major workforce shortage in the spa industry , but maybe instead of stressing about gaps , you get creative about filling them . Maybe you have far too many people doing a job that can be done by one or two employees . Offer incentives for your employees to move to new positions or take on new roles , which will allow you to fill gaps in some areas and trim the bulk in others .
The Need for Flexibility Leopards are not only among the most beautiful animals in Africa , they are also the ultimate opportunists — adapting themselves to every change in habitat that might happen . Most people have an inner unwillingness to change , even when necessary for survival . Leopards adapt very easily and foster all their abilities . They are excellent runners and climbers , with the ability to attack from the ground and from trees , to hunt at night or during the day .
How flexible and adaptable are you as a leader ? How individualized are your interactions ? Adapting to changes in things like the economy and the state of the industry are necessary for survival but adapting to each of your employees ’ work styles or each guests ’ unspoken needs are necessary for excellence .
“ Your customers don ’ t appreciate it when you multitask ... If you set an example , your staff will follow , your customers will feel a difference .”
Another flexible animal , the cheetah , has a spine that stays agile and flexible throughout its entire life . Businesses , on the other hand , hold tightly to processes and policies that can quickly become outdated and burdensome . Working the ability to remain flexible in all areas of your business , from marketing to finance , can keep you from being left behind when the rest of the world is moving forward fast .
Now , not everybody has to go to Africa to rethink his or her leadership rituals . Keep growing and learn to embrace change by stepping out of your comfort zone regularly . Whether you use a tent in Africa , a mountain in Colorado or a new idea at work , going beyond your daily routine and your comfort zone is what life and leadership is really about . It is something that you can and should implement into your daily life if you want to increase the level of success and happiness . Remember : rigidness can kill creativity , and creativity is something we urgently need to re-inject into our workplaces to increase the level of personal or business excellence . Listen to your inner voice and dare to follow it . Dare to sharpen your senses and dare to re-design your job routines in order to be the best leader your employees have ever had and the best business your customer has ever experienced . n
KERSTIN PLEHWE , bestselling german author , award winning entrepreneur and sought-after international speaker , helps organizations stand out in tough competition and use change as a fuel for innovation . Kerstin is a powerful , thought- and action-provoking speaker that has worked for more than 20 years with top executives , olympic athletes and political leaders around the world . For more information , please visit kerstinplehwe . com
June 2018 ■ PULSE 57