The Rutledge Perspective Podcast

On this week's episode of The Rutledge Perspective, we are going to talk about de-cluttering. Decluttering your space and decluttering your mind.

This week's episode of the Rutledge Perspective is about curiosity. Curiosity has become the lastest buzzword. The key to innovation. The latest measure of success. And yet, it is also the thing that companies have the hardest time actually acknowledging and promoting.

Today's topic is about choices. The actions we choose to take and, more importantly, the actions we choose not to take. All have impact.

Contrary to popular belief – or what you employer may tell you – you ALWAYS have a choice. Some choices are better than others, but they are choices nonetheless.

You have the choice to change or adapt to your environment; to remain with or leave an organization; to nurture or terminate a relationship. NO ONE can tell you that there is no choice. Even when there seems to be none, there is always a decision to be made. And YOU have the power to make the decision that is right for you based on your circumstances. Even if your employer says the opposite.

Today's topic will resonate for those of you who would rather pluck out your eyelashes than attend a corporate event or gala! For the social butterflies in My Village—party on! Just remember, it's still a COMPANY EVENT—not a night at the club!

The dreaded response, "Do what I say, not what I do." That never made sense to us. Did our parents get to behave differently because they were our parents? Because they were smarter? Or simply because they were adults? And why was their behavior acceptable when my doing THE EXACT SAME THING was not? There'd been a complete disconnect between words and actual observed behavior.

Today's topic is something that always gets me to the edge of the ledge! You know, that ledge where one more thing or one more conversation is going to make me respond in a way that is authentic but likely not workplace appropriate. That topic is the workplace assumption that I own processes, programs, and responsibilities that I do not own.

Many of us have heard the phrase "you do you!" Often, it is when we are doing something unusual or out of the ordinary; or when we are behaving in a way that is authentically "us" but not necessarily in line with behavioral norms in the situation at hand. The term is sometimes said to be supportive. Sometimes it is said in a manner that indicates "ok, I wouldn't do that, but if that's your choice, go for it." In any case, "you do you" has come to be a cry of being your authentic self.

And therein lies the conundrum… it is not always wise or appropriate to "do you." To be clear, I'm not talking about the deeper issues of assimilation or social integration connected to inclusion or bias. That is a discussion for another day. I'm speaking about basic appropriateness. Decorum. Situational awareness. Note: for those who are experts in situational awareness or situation awareness (SA), I'm using this term loosely as it relates to understanding, assessing and responding to an environment or situation. Tune in on the topic.

During our lives, we have many opportunities to participate on teams. Sometimes we are formal leaders of departments or functions, leading committees or chairing boards. Other times, we are members of those teams, committees or boards.

In all those instances, it can be shocking when someone you thought was a trusted leader, colleague or subordinate exhibits behavior that is detrimental to the team. It is even more shocking and disturbing when that behavior is targeted specifically towards you. Today, we will discuss the difference between a TEAM and your VILLAGE, the importance of awareness and the hidden biases that hinder awareness, and, lastly, some tips on how to respond when someone you thought was in your corner is not. You cannot change other people, but managing your response will keep you on the path you have chosen without unnecessary detours. That is the goal!