How to convert consciousness into conscious action - Seven not so secret mysteries of succeeding

Organizations and people typically do not fail because of missing ideas, but because of how they deal with ideas. Managers need to focus their energy on new directions and to generate people's motivation for the new situation. In doing so, they often become drivers rather than coaches. The same thing happens to negotiators in discussions with suppliers or customers. We bring our requests or final solutions to the meeting instead of methods for analyzing and discussing the situation and possibilities together.

Most people know that real cooperation within and between organizations is fundamentally different. Yet, we still often do the opposite of what we should do to achieve it. We are driven by fundamental social-psychological mechanisms. How to achieve better results, agility, and change is widely known. It is important to bring some things into our consciousness and then consciously convert them into action. These 7 principles can guide you:

1. The whole is more than the sum of its parts. - We often do not see systemic links and effects. It is important to think outside the box and to develop a shared view of the reality.
2. If you don't lead, you will be led. - Often, we are not aware of our role and all possibilities to exert influence. Clarify your goal and ways to pursue it. Targeted behavior should then be driven by your conscious self-control.
3. One's freedom ends where another's freedom begins. - Sometimes we are pushy and demand things of others that limit them. We can avoid this egotism by allowing others a fair share of personal responsibility.
4. Helping others think rather than do. - We often tend to tell others what to do and what not to do. This is not necessary if we instead appeal the other's capability of reasoned action.
5. We often do things right but do wrong things. - Perfectionism is good when it pays off. When we find us being dogged, it is important to remind us on what the goal is in terms of numbers and relationship. Always think long-term.
6. Less is more. - Create impact through smarter action rather than harder effort. Do not act the more the better. Instead, sometimes a questioning look and a pause achieve more than many words.
7. Reflection is the most important action in learning. - Trial and error, reflection, awareness, self-direction, and self-improvement are the key measures of learning. Smart self-critique brings us way further than blind actionism.

Check your mindset first: Modern leadership training, agile transformation, business coaching, team development, or sales training - in all of them a core step is to create awareness of a growth mindset before giving recommendations for action.

How do you deal with the challenges of the numerous crises and the necessary changes? How do you win others for your ideas and how do you lead yourself and others through the ups and downs? We are interested to learn about your experiences. Please write us your insights and learning road.