This year we have a Naked Christmas Tree in our home. The tree started dropping needles before it went into its stand. Our family felt compelled to “stay with tradition” and we tried to keep it as healthy as a live cut down tree can be. The water became stale as the tree dropped more needles. This tree was not thirsty. It was just plain dead. Instead of tossing it before the presents were even wrapped, we chose to be creative and “dress up needle-less Fred!” (our new name for a tree that looked like something from the stone age, petrified for eternity). First we held the tree-shaking event. We brought the tree back outside, shook off every needle and returned it to its’ rightful place indoors. Then we had the “Tree Trimming” party where we decorated Fred. The tree in the daylight leaves much to be desired. At night with the glow of the lights (only turned on once never to be turned on again in case of a fire) the tree was quite beautiful. Best of all, our tree will serve it’s ultimate purpose, a hanger of memories for all to see and an umbrella to protect gifts of love.
How can a Naked Christmas Tree named Fred teach us lessons in life and work?
Lesson #1 Stripping an idea bare can bear new fruit.
When history and tradition die out along with the needles, you can make new ideas come alive. Often projects we are working on can become brittle and stale. We leave them to die on a shelf. What began as a great idea or strategy turns into a 3 ring-binder on a shelf. Take the time to reexamine the concepts and see what ideas you can dust off and bring to life. Your original idea may die on the vine, but that idea connected to a new partner, contact or technology just may be your answer for success!
When history and tradition die out along with the needles, you can make new ideas come alive. Often projects we are working on can become brittle and stale. We leave them to die on a shelf. What began as a great idea or strategy turns into a 3 ring-binder on a shelf. Take the time to reexamine the concepts and see what ideas you can dust off and bring to life. Your original idea may die on the vine, but that idea connected to a new partner, contact or technology just may be your answer for success!
Lesson #2 Shaking off the perceptions brings sharp reality to the table.
Once you see a project slipping off the track you may want to throw up your hands and just give up. It’s easier to just quit than forge ahead and see it through. Yes, it takes time to shake off the needles and the old dead wood. Seeing the bare necessities of your work will help you get back on the right track. You may deter from your original path, but a new path can be an even safer, faster, more profitable route.
Lesson #3 People hang on to the fun while the work is being done.
Hanging on to the fun during a project is hard work. The enormity of a situation can cause stress and anxiety. Turn that stress into action with brainstorming and team building sessions focusing on the issue. Direct your goals to build solutions. When you work together to overcome obstacles you will have much more joy in your work. You’ll be able to celebrate the outcomes together as well!
Lesson #4 When work gives you needles - don’t point fingers.
Work can bring sharp discussions to the table when production stalls and teams feel failure. Pointing teams in a new direction works much better at keeping morale high. Pointing fingers is useless. At the critical moment of deciding which you will do - choose to point to the positive steps that have been made and the positive ones you can make together.
Finally, a Naked Christmas Tree, just like a clean, new project can bring you less work later. There’s no cleaning up the mess from a tree that has already shed it’s needles! No mess is less stress!
No comments:
Post a Comment