It is always interesting to observe the range of… level of self-confidence in individuals whether you happen to be in a group of people or maybe just one-on-one with someone. In a way trying to measure anyone’s self-confidence strength (or weakness) becomes almost a special “skill” all by itself!

But for this week’s message, let me ask a unique TRIPLE III TIME question: Has anyone ever addressed the issue of what constitutes “Professionalized” Self-Confidence?

Well as I have witnessed both good and not-so-good examples of “Professionalized” Self-Confidence, I believe a special TOP 10 points to consider in this area may be in order.  Consider building your “Professionalized” Self-Confidence by:

1. Not assuming everyone knows what you may be talking about,
2. Better managing the quick responses that may come out of your mouth,
3. Giving someone else’s idea a greater chance,
4. Using high quality voice tones when responding to issues,
5. Selecting written words that show a strong element of respect,
6. Offering information/advice on one concept/action/idea at a time,
7. Taking an appropriate amount of time when speaking,
8. Budgeting your excitable self-confidence approaches over more time and issues,
9. Allowing others extra understandability topic processing time… and
10. FACT-CHECKING yourself for true accuracy on issues!

Now after having written and re-read this TRIPLE III TIME message… maybe it could have served as a solid New Year’s Resolution plan!

It is that time of year when the calendar places us in that “in-between” state of being. If I am not clear in the point I am trying to make… think about the fact that we are right in the middle of the week when we celebrate Christmas and then in just days we say good-bye to 2024 and welcome in the New Year: 2025! And traditionally we just try to quietly relax and enjoy where we have been… and then quickly plan where we want to go both personally and professionally in the new year.

So why is this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message:  Recognizing “PUSHING-ME” Energy so important??

First, I want you to think about those you are responsible for and recognize the value of how they unknowingly have a cool role in pushing you to grow and be more accomplished in just being YOU! Second, consider those who look to YOU for support, advice and guidance to help them resolve a problem issue or possibly make a challenging decision on a life/work situation that has been “on-the-table” for quite some time.  Finally, take the time to begin Recognizing “PUSHING-ME” Energy sources from other unique, not regularly noticed areas.  And as you do this fun “case-study”…take stock in how often you THANK THEM for the special Energy they deliver!?

So as you progressively celebrate your holiday “in-between” season and creatively attempt Recognizing “PUSHING-ME” Energy offerers in your work/life areas (family/ friends/ neighbors/ students/ co-workers/ leaders)… think about sharing an extra special thanks message to them.

For me… I want to write that I appreciate the GREAT ENERGY I get from everyone that reads and helps me produce these weekly TRIPLE III TIME messages!

I couldn’t keep writing them without you.

No one would/could ever say that I am a patient person.  Historically I toss out my business and/or personal expectations…and yes I want to see related action and results fairly quickly.  But is that always a good “mind-set”?

As I have professionally grown, one of the most significant learnings I have experienced is the art of:  Nurturing Patience.

Think about it.

Nurturing Patience on a professional level is one of the key traits that makes one a solid leader.  And let me say that applying appropriate patience to a challenging situation does NOT always come as a result of growing older.  Rather I have witnessed many young adults better apply their patience skills when dealing with difficult people than I thought possible.

Consider the goods and bads of seeking “immediate gratification” in different situations.  Too often when people apply an “I want it now” attitude to a certain business deal, the result is rarely as good or complete had a Nurturing Patience approach been utilized.

I believe that by Nurturing Patience in business or personal development situations:  (1) one gains a better understanding of their role, (2) steps back and gains more insight as to the good or bad outcomes that could result and (3) possibly draws other appropriate people into the discussion for advice.

I have lived on both sides of the patience issue.  Have I experienced the negatives of moving too fast and expecting too much…or waiting too long to take action and not getting what I was hoping to achieve…absolutely!  However, as leaders…it is critical for everyone to discuss Nurturing Patience, reflect on it’s appropriate application, use patience as determined and then take action.

Again making Nurturing Patience a high-value skill…is time well spent.

As we start thinking about this week’s TRIPLE III TIME topic:  More Than Just One “RIGHT WAY”!…consider all of the people you have worked with in the past and currently.  For me…fortunately I feel like I can report that I have been involved with only a few that seemed locked-in on a single path forward.  Or maybe some of my “let’s try something different” work style may have rubbed off to minimize the “we have always done it this way” mindset?!

Regardless of what your past or current work/life situation is regarding the More Than Just One “RIGHT WAY”position…this TRIPLE III TIME message will focus primarily on the progress lost resulting from a Just One RIGHT WAY approach.

1. Just One RIGHT WAY prohibits the input of other minds.
2. Just One RIGHT WAY means no additional learning…for anyone.
3. Just One RIGHT WAY labels you as narrow-minded.
4. Just One RIGHT WAY means that no “what-else”discussion time would be allowed.
5. Just One RIGHT WAY commits to a single process/activity (no matter what!)

Bottomline:  The five progress lost examples are only some of the most significant negatives of Just One RIGHT WAY operations.  And to avoid these types of negatives, we need to better understand that today we live in continuous growth TRANSFORMATION world.  This means continuous growth TRANSFORMATION is the bestlife/work goal…not a Just One RIGHT WAY single life/work assignment.

Way back…when I got my first real, solid job…I was lucky enough to have a Boss that immediately became a mentor for me.  Even though he in age was not many years older than me, in the area of extra education, life experience (he was an armed service veteran) and professional-style jobs, he carried a great deal of valuable knowledge!  And even though we only worked together for about three years, (and yes he helped me become the new Boss at a VERY young age), the multiple key professional learnings I gained were tremendous.

But for this week’s TRIPLE III TIME, I want to focus on the one area FEL stressed the most:  Know The MONEY SIDE!  So what specifically was he trying to emphasize to me?

Well to answer this question… I can fairly report that at least every other day of our work time together, FEL made sure he clearly explained:

• Know where the dollars for our agency’s operation came from.
• What specifically could the funds be used for.
• The results/products/services we were trying to obtain/provide.
• Who was overseeing what we were doing to make sure we didn’t mess up with the money.
• Avenues for other dollars that could expand what we do.
• The legal methods we were using to account for the money.
• Pro and con impacts that would show up if we lost money or gained more money.
• Finally making the point that in public or private business…nothing happens without the money.

Bottomline:  As a good employee/business person in any profession, if you Know The MONEY–SIDE of your organization…you will be a better employee.  Agency actions and decisions will make more sense and your potential progressive impact on “making good things happen for you and the company”…will be a solid result.

If someone asked you:  “How well are you at Channeling Your Occupational Energy”?…what would be your answer?  Would you REALLY understand the question or would you just say something basic like:  “I do ok” or “It depends on the situation?”  But deep down would you confidently understand what is being asked?

I believe that until I transitioned into my current consultant role, I could not have answered the Channeling Your Occupational Energy question!

When you think about Occupational Energy, I am referring to the mental and physical energy you put into your job every day.  As a consultant…regardless of the project goals or service product I was working with a customer on, I almost immediately became more aware of everyone’s Occupational Energy “channels”.  Whether the situation was directly interacting with customers or composing an audit response, how people expend their Occupational Energy became more apparent.

So enough talk about how I came to realize the importance of Channeling Your Occupational Energy.  Let’s use a select TOP 10 to discuss simple, direct approaches that should maximize YOUR Occupational Energy applications.

1. Be positive and progressive.  Negativity breeds negative energy.
2. Don’t be continually selective when using your Occupational Energy.  Apply it fairly.
3. Don’t hesitate to utilize extra Occupational Energy when everything is going great.
4. Share good Occupational Energy with those that can benefit everyday.
5. Don’t wait to gain progressive Occupational Energy from someone…be the provider.
6. Return customers should be a standard receiver of quality Occupational Energy.
7. Practice keeping a Channeling Your Occupational Energy log book.  Positive reflections matter.
8. Compliment co-workers as they practice showing helpful Occupational Energy.
9. Don’t allow for a high-low Occupational Energy roller-coaster to evolve…maintain.​
10. If you are uncertain of your method of Channeling Your Occupational Energy…consult a trusted friend or colleague.

“Perfectly” Channeling Your Occupational Energy is not possible.  However, maximizing it…IS!

As most everyone that reads the weekly TRIPLE III TIME blog messages knows… JOBS ADVANCEMENT and WORKPLACE IMPROVEMENT have been my career-long focus. Whether my role has been an Agency Director or Innovation Consultant… helping businesses and organizations, become better both internally and in the marketplace… was/is a center point component in all of my efforts. So this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message, Employee Loyalty To The Workplace… is a long overdue… necessary progress-building topic.

“Employee loyalty refers to the dedication, commitment, and allegiance exhibited by employees towards their organization, resulting in long-term engagement, productivity, and a willingness to go above and beyond in their work.”

 I borrowed this Employee Loyalty definition from a recent online article I researched as I began writing this message. So as I continued to assess the status of Employee Loyalty in today’s workplace… general observational research has shown that it has declined due to:

• Fast and continuous workplace product/service changes,
• Impacts of technology and educational expectations,
• Lack of historical value…

but has it now become a renewed critical factor in almost every workplace… YES!!

The goal therefore for this week is to re-stress the high need and value of Employee Loyalty To The Workplace! Think about all of these factors:

• It builds a positive workplace culture
• Helps retain and recruit the right people
• Justifies additional investments (tools/trainings/fringe benefits) for employees
• Encourage two-way, transparent communication
• Increases recognition of the need for a steady life-work balance.

Bottomline: Business/organization LEADERS are statistically (79%) most responsible for Employee Loyalty advancement. So lets ask the question: Does your entity prioritize Employee Loyalty? Do you have policies and progress examples of enhancing Employee Loyalty?