You’ve probably heard the acronym, B.Y.O.B., but today I’m thinking about B.Y.O.S.: Bring Your Own Sunshine.
The annual fight between winter and spring has begun. Depending on where you live, there may be days of sunshine mixed with cold days with rain or even snow. But we can choose to let go of the gloomier days and savor the nice ones.
In fact, the outside factors don’t need to be a negative for us. Even those days with rain and snow can be used to do indoor spring cleaning, take in a movie or read a book, or spend time with friends and loved ones. It is all about our mindset and finding ways to make the most of a situation. B.Y.O.S.
As continuous improvement practitioners and leaders, we can approach obstacles and areas for improvement from a negative place or see them as an opportunity. When you’re visiting the gemba and hearing from your colleagues, are you approaching issues as a chance to make things better? Are you empowering those facing the issues to create solutions on their own and with your support? Any obstacle is an opportunity to improve one small piece of the puzzle that can lead to dramatic improvements across your entire organization. Even the smallest improvement can create a ripple that allows other areas to flourish. Appreciate and acknowledge the people who bring creative ideas, innovations, and improvements to any element of your work.
The world is beginning to open back up again. There will still be obstacles, no doubt. Inflation, supply chain disruptions, virus variants, and staffing issues still exist. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. When you bring your own sunshine, you’re able to look at these issues as an opportunity to create a solution. You’re able to collaborate with colleagues in your organization or network with peers within the AME community. You’re able to seek out training and support. You’re able to lift up yourself and others, and in turn help your organization develop a positive culture where everyone is pulling in the same direction and employees are empowered to work courageously.
Bring your own sunshine and you won’t just see a light at the end of the tunnel, you’ll illuminate the journey.
As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
