CWO /health/ en Four Hard Truths Worth Embracing /health/2024/10/16/four-hard-truths-worth-embracing <span>Four Hard Truths Worth Embracing</span> <span><span>Valerie Padilla</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-10-16T08:42:39-06:00" title="Wednesday, October 16, 2024 - 08:42">Wed, 10/16/2024 - 08:42</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/health/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/2024-10/alesia-kazantceva-VWcPlbHglYc-unsplash.jpg?h=a141e9ea&amp;itok=eDn_vgvi" width="1200" height="600" alt="Office setting"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/health/taxonomy/term/115" hreflang="en">CWO</a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-text" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><div> <div class="align-right image_style-small_500px_25_display_size_"> <div class="imageMediaStyle small_500px_25_display_size_"> <img loading="lazy" src="/health/sites/default/files/styles/small_500px_25_display_size_/public/2024-10/alesia-kazantceva-VWcPlbHglYc-unsplash.jpg?itok=gU05BFbK" width="375" height="250" alt="Office setting"> </div> </div> <p><span lang="EN-US">Â鶹ĘÓƵ four essential truths about leadership and personal growth that can transform how you approach success, challenges, and making a lasting impact.</span></p></div><div><h2><span lang="EN-US">Leadership isn’t given, it’s earned.</span></h2></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Leadership isn’t determined by a single moment or title change. It’s developed gradually through consistent actions and decisions. It’s about the small, everyday choices that accumulate over time to create a lasting impact. Embracing patience and perseverance is crucial – but instead of focusing on the long road ahead, look at this way: Every day presents opportunities to lead, regardless of where you sit on an org chart.</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Leadership is an inclusive quality that everyone can embody. Each person has the potential to influence and inspire those around them, fostering a culture of mutual respect and collaboration. By recognizing and seizing daily opportunities to lead, individuals can contribute to a more positive and productive environment. Leadership is a shared responsibility, and when embraced by all, it can drive meaningful change. When everybody leads, everybody wins.</span></p></div><div><p><a href="/dei/resources/shared-equity-leadership" rel="nofollow"><span lang="EN-US">Learn how CU Boulder drives positive change through the shared leadership model.</span></a></p></div><div><h2><span lang="EN-US">Progress is better than perfection.&nbsp;</span></h2></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Perfectionism is surprisingly counterproductive. Studies show that striving for flawlessness doesn't equate to a superior outcome or better performance. In fact, it often hinders productivity, as individuals fixated on perfection tend to spend excessive time on minute details, reducing overall efficiency. The relentless pursuit of perfection also leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and a persistent sense of inadequacy. Researchers have found that </span><a href="https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/691/1/Hill%2C%20Hall%2C%20Duda%2C%20%26%20Appleton%20%282011%29%20IJSEP.pdf" rel="nofollow"><span lang="EN-US">individuals with perfectionist tendencies are less resilient</span></a><span lang="EN-US">, making them more susceptible to psychological distress when faced with failure or setbacks.</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">While there are instances where perfection is crucial—patient care, air traffic control, nuclear power plant operations, automobile repair, etc... Being able to determine when it's needed, versus when it’s not, is the first step to reclaiming your sanity. Instead of focusing on perfect outcomes, prioritize getting things done. Embrace mistakes as valuable learning opportunities and challenge negative thoughts with self-reflection and compassion. By shifting to a mindset of progress over perfection, you can foster a healthier, more productive approach to both personal and professional endeavors.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><p><a href="/health/2020/05/05/3-tips-help-you-overcome-pressure-be-perfect" rel="nofollow"><span lang="EN-US">Three tips to help you overcome the pressure to be perfect.</span></a></p></div><div><h2><span lang="EN-US">Everyone needs feedback.</span></h2></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Feedback can spark uneasy feelings, often because we focus on the process instead of the intended outcome—growth. By shifting our mindset from seeing feedback as fear-inducing to viewing it as a beneficial and constructive process, we can transform its impact.</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Constructive criticism, whether from mentors, peers, or a significant other, offers invaluable insights into opportunities for growth that might otherwise go unnoticed. It encourages individuals to look forward, envision their future capabilities, and take actionable steps towards their goals. It’s worth noting that how or when we receive feedback isn’t entirely in our control, but what we do with that feedback is.</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Organizations also thrive when they cultivate a culture of feedback. Encouraging open and honest communication within teams leads to higher employee engagement, improved performance, and increased job satisfaction. When employees feel their voices are heard and their contributions are valued, they’re more likely to take ownership of their work and strive for excellence.&nbsp;</span></p></div><div><h2><span lang="EN-US">Success is subjective.</span></h2></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Success is often portrayed as a universal concept defined by wealth, status, and societal approval. But the truth is that it’s highly subjective and personal. There is no universal benchmark for success. What brings fulfillment and joy to one person might not resonate with another. Success should be measured by individual values and aspirations, not someone else’s standards.</span></p></div><div><p><span lang="EN-US">Embracing this autonomy allows us to pursue paths that genuinely make us happy, whether that's through creative endeavors, entrepreneurial ventures, or making a positive impact in our communities. These paths might involve trial and error, but each step brings you closer to what truly matters to you. Celebrate your achievements, big and small, and remember that your happiness is the ultimate measure of success. By embracing the subjective nature of success, you empower yourself to create a more authentic and meaningful life.</span></p></div><div><p><a href="/health/blog/wellness-benefits-employees" rel="nofollow"><span lang="EN-US">Learn how CU Boulder can help support employees on their path to success.</span></a><span>&nbsp;</span></p></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div>Â鶹ĘÓƵ four essential truths about leadership and personal growth that can transform how you approach success, challenges, and making a lasting impact. </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:42:39 +0000 Valerie Padilla 1482 at /health Everyone Matters: Nurturing Employee Well-Being and Job Satisfaction /health/2024/09/25/everyone-matters-nurturing-employee-well-being-and-job-satisfaction <span>Everyone Matters: Nurturing Employee Well-Being and Job Satisfaction</span> <span><span>Anonymous (not verified)</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-09-25T12:01:51-06:00" title="Wednesday, September 25, 2024 - 12:01">Wed, 09/25/2024 - 12:01</time> </span> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle focal_image_wide"> <img loading="lazy" src="/health/sites/default/files/styles/focal_image_wide/public/article-thumbnail/thomas-kinto-k7bxsvtebc-unsplash.jpg?h=194256b2&amp;itok=fbk5EaBa" width="1200" height="600" alt="Raindrops on a leaf"> </div> </div> <div role="contentinfo" class="container ucb-article-tags" itemprop="keywords"> <span class="visually-hidden">Tags:</span> <div class="ucb-article-tag-icon" aria-hidden="true"> <i class="fa-solid fa-tags"></i> </div> <a href="/health/taxonomy/term/115" hreflang="en">CWO</a> </div> <div class="ucb-article-content ucb-striped-content"> <div class="container"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--article-content paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div class="ucb-article-content-media ucb-article-content-media-above"> <div> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--media paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div> <div class="imageMediaStyle large_image_style"> <img loading="lazy" src="/health/sites/default/files/styles/large_image_style/public/article-image/thomas-kinto-k7bxsvtebc-unsplash.jpg?itok=iZecO187" width="1500" height="1002" alt="Raindrops on a leaf"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ucb-article-text d-flex align-items-center" itemprop="articleBody"> <div><p>We often equate being productive with long hours, constant busyness, and high output. However, this "more is better" mindset overlooks the core elements of a fulfilling work life—job satisfaction, collaboration, and creativity. Fortunately, a growing body of research reveals that shifting our focus from sheer productivity to a more human-centered approach can unlock greater success and happiness for both employees and businesses.</p> <h2>Nurturing Employee Well-Being: The Key to Lasting Success</h2> <p>The challenges of burnout and mental health concerns are real, but they also highlight a tremendous opportunity for improvement. When companies recognize the importance of employee well-being, they unlock a pathway to not only healthier teams but also stronger performance. Studies suggest that fostering a work environment that values mental health can lead to more engaged employees, reduced turnover, and a positive ripple effect throughout the organization. By prioritizing well-being, we can create a thriving workforce that is more resilient, productive, and capable of sustaining long-term success.</p> <p><a href="/health/WorkWell" rel="nofollow">See how CU Boulder is embracing employee well-being</a>.</p> <h2>Sparking Creativity and Innovation</h2> <p>When employees are encouraged to balance productivity with creativity, remarkable things happen. Businesses that create space for new ideas and innovative thinking can achieve greater success than those that focus solely on efficiency. In fact, companies that prioritize creativity achieve <a href="https://www.adobe.com/about-adobe/press-room/press-releases/202001/01302020-adobe-report-creativity-delivers-business-success.html" rel="nofollow">1.5 times greater</a> revenue growth and market share than their competitors. By fostering an environment where creativity can flourish, teams are empowered to explore bold ideas, take risks, and contribute to innovation—ultimately driving growth and adaptability in an ever-evolving market.</p> <p><a href="/innovate/faculty-staff-resources/faculty-staff-innovation" rel="nofollow">Did you know about the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative at CU Boulder?</a></p> <h2>Celebrating Individuality: The Power of Strengths-Based Leadership</h2> <p>Every employee brings unique strengths and talents to the table, and when those individual contributions are recognized and celebrated, the impact is profound. According to <a href="https://www.gallup.com/workplace/236297/strengths-based-employee-development-business-results.aspx" rel="nofollow">Gallup</a>, companies that adopt a strengths-based management approach are 17% more productive and 21% more profitable. When employees feel valued for their unique abilities, they become more engaged, motivated, and committed to their roles. This positive work culture not only boosts morale but also drives higher performance and propels organizational growth.</p> <p><a href="/hr/cliftonstrengthstm-introduction-faculty-staff" rel="nofollow">CU Boulder helps faculty and staff identify their strengths with the CliftonStrengths Introduction seminar.</a></p> <h2>Embracing a Human-Centric Model for Sustainable Success</h2> <p>The industrial-era model of productivity no longer serves the complex and dynamic needs of today’s workforce. Instead, businesses that shift towards a human-centric model—one that values well-being, creativity, and individuality—are positioned to achieve sustainable success. With the support of CU Boulder's Human Resources team, we’ve transformed these concepts into actionable steps by pinpointing <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:3f892028-38fb-4bef-8207-b46f7453e543" rel="nofollow">key behaviors</a>.</p> <p>By fostering a positive employee experience, companies can build a workplace where employees not only excel but also find joy and fulfillment in their work. This holistic approach to productivity creates a win-win scenario: happier employees and stronger organizational outcomes.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <h2> <div class="paragraph paragraph--type--ucb-related-articles-block paragraph--view-mode--default"> <div>Off</div> </div> </h2> <div>Traditional</div> <div>0</div> <div>On</div> <div>White</div> Wed, 25 Sep 2024 18:01:51 +0000 Anonymous 1478 at /health