In this week’s column, O’Brien Learning Solutions founder Denise O’Brien takes inspiration from personal trainer to the stars, Senada Greca.
In a world that often values quick fixes and instant gratification, it’s easy to overlook the importance of consistent habits.
However, as personal trainer Senada Greca, who works with celebrities like Kim Kardashian, emphasizes, it’s the small, daily actions that ultimately lead to lasting change. I recently listened to an episode of the Jay Shetty podcast with Ms. Greca, who had some powerful words of wisdom for us, with regards to having good habits when it comes to being physically fit and healthy.
When it comes to evolving team culture, the same principle applies. As a culture consultant, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the most basic habits can be easily overlooked, especially during times of high stress or busy operations. However, these are precisely the moments when these touchpoints become even more crucial.
Clear objectives, regular one-on-one meetings to discuss performance, feedback, and coaching tailored to each team member’s needs, and holding value-add relevant meetings with the entire team at appropriate intervals are the foundations upon which strong teams are built. These habits may seem simple, but they are the building blocks of a thriving, cohesive culture.
The Importance of Identity-Based Beliefs
In his book “Atomic Habits,” James Clear introduces the concept of identity-based beliefs. For example, if you believe yourself to be a strong, influential leader with a positive impact on those around you, you are more likely to develop and sustain habits that reflect this belief.
This principle holds true not only for leaders but for anyone seeking to make positive changes in their life. When we see ourselves as the type of person who takes care of their health, for example, we are more likely to engage in habits like regular exercise and healthy eating.
Building Habits During Stressful Times
The true test of our habits often comes during times of stress. When life gets busy and overwhelming, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “I’m too busy for this,” and letting go of the positive habits we’ve worked hard to build.
However, as Senada Greca emphasizes, it’s during these challenging periods that our habits become even more important. If we’ve established a consistent practice of taking a daily walk for 20 minutes, for instance, we are less likely to abandon this habit when stress levels rise. Instead, we can rely on this routine to provide a sense of stability and self-care.
Bare Minimum Non-Negotiables
For leaders, both new and experienced, it’s crucial to establish “bare minimum non-negotiables” – habits that they refuse to surrender to, even during the toughest of times. These could be as simple as taking a few minutes each morning for a short team check, or as complex as maintaining focus on a set of clearly defined strategic objectives and leading others through periods of change as a result.
By prioritising these non-negotiable habits, leaders set an example for their teams and demonstrate the importance of consistency. They also ensure that they role model building strong relationships as a means of achieving team and individual success.
The Power of Small Actions
As Senada Greca emphasizes, even doing something for just 5 minutes per day can begin to build a habit. This principle applies to both personal and professional life. By taking small, consistent actions towards our goals, we gradually build momentum and create lasting change. Surely, we can convince ourselves to do something for 5 minutes per day?
For leaders, this might mean dedicating just a few minutes each day to providing feedback or recognition to team members. Over time, this habit can have a profound impact on team morale, engagement, and performance.
In conclusion, the power of consistent habits cannot be overstated. Whether you are a leader looking to build a strong team culture or an individual seeking to make positive changes in your life, embracing small, daily actions is the key to success.
By establishing identity-based beliefs, prioritising non-negotiable habits, and focusing on the power of small actions, we can create the change we seek and build the strength we need to thrive in even the most challenging circumstances. From my experience, the power of basic performance management principles should not be underestimated. What can you do today, to improve your own performance or that of your teams?
For more information on how to set and achieve goals, contact me directly at denise@obrienlearningsolutions.ie
