The Partner Channel Magazine Winter 2016

» Chunk it: They broke the daunting situation into bite-size chunks and had a small action item each week
that helped them let go and head in another direction. For example, one leader who wanted to stop getting
defensive with certain people on her team started using one phrase when she found herself wanting to fire
back. She would say, “Thanks for sharing; let me think about that more,” or “Wow, you are so excited about
this. Thanks for your passion; let me see where my head is at on this issue and get back to you so we can both
share the same excitement.” Not perfect words, but words that allowed her to deflect the conversation so later
it could be productive, which often it was.
So as you consider daring to let go of old habits that are holding you back, the first step is to be honest with
yourself on what you want to and are willing to invest time in to change. If you find yourself saying, “I should…
change…”, that is a clear indication that you are feeling pressure to change but may not be ready. Instead, if you find
yourself saying, “I’ve always wanted to do, be, etc.” or “I am ready to go and willing to invest time,” those are indicators
that you might not know what to do, but at least you have the desire and are willing to invest time to “let go”.
The second step is to be honest with yourself on your hidden fears. Lastly, the final step is to start. Create a list of what
you can do to change or need to learn in order to change or what you need to plan for in this change. We’re not talking a
complicated project management RFP list, but rather a small three-bullet point list (okay, maybe five, but no more). When
you start, treat this like a “practice”. If you were to learn to play piano, you would sit down and “start” with the expectation
that you would miss some notes along the way. As you dare to let go, start and reposition your hands, heart, and your
mind when you miss a note. Life is rich when we, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Always do what you are afraid to do.”
Want to talk about letting go? Contact Pam at Pmcgree2@hotmail.com.
THEPARTNERCHANNEL.COM | WINTER 2016 17