For many years I’ve kept a diary, it’s rather sporadic I must admit. Some days I write pages, on others it’s just a few scrappy notes. Hand written entries in a book feels best, I occasionally just tap my recollections and insights into the ‘Notes’ pages on my iPhone. Whatever its form, a diary serves as a wonderful record. It’s a moment of proper reflection on the day and helps to conclude things healthily on positives and learnings. The practice of writing to the structure “Things I am grateful for from today” can be a helpful way of gearing one’s mind towards nourishing thoughts before sleep.
Here’s a Nourisher from last week:
Active Belief in the Brand.
In 1998 I delivered a pivotal workshop to a large group of senior leaders at Marks and Spencer. The session was well received and I was delighted by the commitments to change that reverberated around the venue afterwards.
My colleague Deborah watched from the back of the room next an M&S Executive. As the session concluded she leaned towards Deborah, praised my work and then concluded with some advice.
“For someone speaking to such influential managers Marcus could do with a few fashion tips. I mean, he could certainly do better than that shirt!”
Deborah explained how that was my only M&S shirt and that she had bought it for me the previous day! Thinking that it would be important for me to fly the M&S flag during the workshop Deborah had supplied me with one of the top-selling shirts of the brand!
The Executive replied…
“Oh don’t bother with any of that in future! None of us wear M&S. Look (revealing the label in her jacket) this is DKNY! It’s important to wear what you look good in.”!!!
At the time I felt that spoke volumes.
Last week my colleague Mark and I spoke at a Leadership Event at Clarks. This involved the 13 strong Leadership Team delivering presentations and workshops to the 90 members of the Clarks International leadership group.
I was heartened to see every member of the Leadership Team wearing Clarks shoes.
Little wonder that the ‘Pride in the brand’ score on Clarks’ latest Employee Engagement Surveys (externally measured) is exceptionally high.
Great tips Marcus! Another one that I have come across is to have a Cup or Mug of Gratitude – as you drink your tea or coffee or other favourite beverage you offer thanks or express gratitude to those individuals in your life who are helping you currently or who have assisted you in the past.
This could easily become a regular, daily practice.
Thank you again Marcus for presenting such a great session to my Vistage group today, Jo