Back to work 😬 Embrace the disruption 😃

So, you’re heading back to work after a fabulous summer break. But instead of hitting the ground running, you’re feeling sluggish and unmotivated.

I so get that!!

Time away from your desk, away from all your many responsibilities, well, it’s been a breath of fresh air, hasn’t it? You’ve enjoyed life to the full with family and friends, and now, returning to the grind is overwhelming.

Your mission is important, but let’s be real—the stress and pressure were getting a bit too much, right?

Now, it’s back to business as usual – and yep, it’s tough.

I hear you. So many non-profit leaders I coach feel the same way this time of year. It’s like you’re trying to summon every ounce of motivation just to get back into the swing of things. 😬

But what if I told you that now is the perfect moment to shake things up a bit? It’s time for some rule-bending behavior. Yeh!!! Here’s why:

Why bending the rules matters

 

Lead with appeal

Rule benders are magnetic leaders! According to an article in Psychologist earlier this year, those who dare to challenge the norm draw in supporters like bees to honey. When you break free from the box, you ignite a spark in your team that inspires them to rally behind you.

Feel alive

Bending the rules will reignite your passion for what you do. When you shake things up, you’re not just changing the scenery—you’re firing up new neural pathways in your brain. This jolt of creativity can make you feel more engaged and energised than ever.

Generate new ideas

Breaking a few rules can be one of the very best ways to unlock fresh, innovative ideas. It might feel a little risky, but here’s the thing: “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” So I really encourage you to shake things up.

Keep up with fast-moving times

Our non-profit world is changing fast and a rule-breaking leader is a super adaptable one. You and your team want to be as flexi and responsive as you possibly can, to keep up with all the new challenges you face in your important mission.

Get things done

Monumental change comes from those who refuse to accept the status quo. I’m so inspired at the moment, by the Nobel Prize-winner Mohammed Yunus who revolutionized banking for the poorest with his groundbreaking microloans through the Grameen Bank. His daring approach uplifted millions in marginalized communities in Bangladesh and around the world —and now he’s the President!

So, how do you start bending the rules in your own work?

Five ideas to get you started

1. Encourage innovative thinking: There are so many ways to do this. How about hosting brainstorming workshops where every idea is truly welcome, no matter how off the wall? Try methods like ‘reverse brainstorming’ to explore the opposite of the goal of your organisation. It’s a truly fun way to spark creativity and ideas.

2. Ditch the norms: If your meetings always run for an hour, cut them to 50 minutes. If you typically sit, switch to standing meetings. Even walking ones. These small changes energise discussion and foster brave conversations.

3. Be the trailblazer: Show your team with your personal actions what it means to take risks. Share your wild ideas, even if they sound a little out there. When your team sees you thinking outside the box, they’ll be more likely to jump in with their own innovative thoughts.

4. Own your oops moments: It really is okay not to have all the answers. Admitting your uncertainties or mistakes creates a culture of openness within your team, encouraging honest dialogue.

5. Stay curious: Keep learning and seeking new perspectives. Attend workshops, do online courses, join meet-ups like my Levity Lounge and surround yourself with ‘wayward friends’ who challenge your thinking—compassionately, of course.

What’s next?

If you want more fun and rebellious energy in your leadership join me for a new, informal meet-up for mission-driven leaders – the Levity Lounge. I’d love you to be part of the next one in December. Book your place here.

Let’s embrace disruption together and make your return to work a thrilling adventure.