Everyone has one or more moments in their life they will never forget where they were or what they were doing when an unexpected event took place.  For me it was a typical hot sticky evening in South Sudan, with a broken generator in the hundred degree heat.  I remember getting up in the night to douse my hair with water to cool down enough to get to sleep, and lying back down hearing fireworks (or maybe gun shots?) through my open window.  The next morning we discovered indeed those gun shots overnight signified the government splitting in two and the country tumbled into a Civil War.  As things escalated and we sought how to adjust to this new reality, it was an emotional time period and one which was especially stressful for our national staff, most of whom fled with only their families to hide from the onslaught that followed. Looking back on this time period, I am curious how I would have handled managing a country program of over 400 staff during this time, and how to keep everyone united despite all the chaos.  In order to explore what she experienced and what she was thinking during this time, I asked Lorraine Bramwell, the Country Representative at the time, to share her lessons learned.  In the interview Lorraine is very honest about her thoughts and feelings, as well as what she learned which made an impact and that which maybe could have been done differently.  It is always easy to reflect back and think what we could have done or would have if we were in the leadership position, but in a situation like this you will really not know unless you are in the middle of it.  That said, it is to our advantage as leaders to learn from others who have been in difficult situations that we may never experience but heaven forbid if we should, we at least have some ideas on how to handle them.

Everyone has one or more moments in their life they will never forget where they were or what they were doing when an unexpected event took place.  For me it was a typical hot sticky evening in South Sudan, with a broken generator in the hundred degree heat.  I remember getting up in the night to douse my hair with water to cool down enough to get to sleep, and lying back down hearing fireworks (or maybe gun shots?) through my open window.  The next morning we discovered indeed those gun shots overnight signified the government splitting in two and the country tumbled into a Civil War.  As things escalated and we sought how to adjust to this new reality, it was an emotional time period and one which was especially stressful for our national staff, most of whom fled with only their families to hide from the onslaught that followed. Looking back on this time period, I am curious how I would have handled managing a country program of over 400 staff during this time, and how to keep everyone united despite all the chaos.  In order to explore what she experienced and what she was thinking during this time, I asked Lorraine Bramwell, the Country Representative at the time, to share her lessons learned.  In the interview Lorraine is very honest about her thoughts and feelings, as well as what she learned which made an impact and that which maybe could have been done differently.  It is always easy to reflect back and think what we could have done or would have if we were in the leadership position, but in a situation like this you will really not know unless you are in the middle of it.  That said, it is to our advantage as leaders to learn from others who have been in difficult situations that we may never experience but heaven forbid if we should, we at least have some ideas on how to handle them.

Leadership Lessons Learned During an Unexpected Crisis - the Outbreak of Civil War in South Sudan

Burnout is an ongoing topic of discussion in the humanitarian and development sectors. Like others I am always seeking ways to help aid workers avoid burnout. Recently I came across a webinar by Marcus Buckingham in which he spoke of how certain people effectively avoid burnout. And I wanted to share the takeaways with you. With a humanitarian lense, of course. You can start avoiding burnout, and make work more enjoyable... starting even today. Learn more in this episode.   Resources Mentioned: Love and Work by Marcus Buckingham

Burnout is an ongoing topic of discussion in the humanitarian and development sectors. Like others I am always seeking ways to help aid workers avoid burnout. Recently I came across a webinar by Marcus Buckingham in which he spoke of how certain people effectively avoid burnout. And I wanted to share the takeaways with you. With a humanitarian lense, of course. You can start avoiding burnout, and make work more enjoyable... starting even today. Learn more in this episode. Resources Mentioned: <a href="https://www.marcusbuckingham.com/lovework/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Love and Work by Marcus Buckingham</a>

How to Avoid Burnout

What will make you successful at creating an independent, proactive team? Based on hundreds of hours of observation, I have come up with three components. I call them the Trust Triangle. The first is trust in your own ability (self-confidence), the second is trust in your team and the third is trust in your organization. In this episode we discuss why trust in your organization may prevent you from leading differently. That is, if you believe your organization does not give you permission to prioritize building your team or empowering them, you will be less likely to do it. That is true sometimes, but many times we are making assumptions based on how those around us are behaving. How can you be a true leader and set an example? By finding out for yourself if your organization will support you or not. Learn how in this week's episode.

What will make you successful at creating an independent, proactive team? Based on hundreds of hours of observation, I have come up with three components. I call them the Trust Triangle. The first is trust in your own ability (self-confidence), the second is trust in your team and the third is trust in your organization. In this episode we discuss why trust in your organization may prevent you from leading differently. That is, if you believe your organization does not give you permission to prioritize building your team or empowering them, you will be less likely to do it. That is true sometimes, but many times we are making assumptions based on how those around us are behaving. How can you be a true leader and set an example? By finding out for yourself if your organization will support you or not. Learn how in this week's episode.

Three Essential Components to Empower Your Team - Part Three

Last week we discussed how it is essential to trust ourselves (self-confidence) before we can trust others. This week as part of the Trust Triangle I am introducing the importance of trusting your team. If you don't trust your team, how can you empower them? You won't. So how do you know if you trust your team? There are a few ways to know - and they may not be what you think. They may be things you think are legitimate reasons to not delegate or assign responsibility. In this episode I discuss how to know if you trust your team, and if you don't how you can build your trust.

Last week we discussed how it is essential to trust ourselves (self-confidence) before we can trust others. This week as part of the Trust Triangle I am introducing the importance of trusting your team. If you don't trust your team, how can you empower them? You won't. So how do you know if you trust your team? There are a few ways to know - and they may not be what you think. They may be things you think are legitimate reasons to not delegate or assign responsibility. In this episode I discuss how to know if you trust your team, and if you don't how you can build your trust.

Three Essential Components to Empower Your Team - Part Two

Empower your team to do better work. Sounds great, right? So why don't more humanitarian and development leaders do it? It has to do with our trust levels. In order to lead in an empowering way and create a more inclusive environment, we need three essential components. It's what I call the Trust Triangle. We need to trust in ourselves (self-confidence), trust in our team and trust in our organization. Without one of these, we will not be able to fully empower others. In this episode I discuss the first component, or self-trust, how to know if you don't have it, and how you can build it. Resources mentioned: Coach Approach Leadership Style

Empower your team to do better work. Sounds great, right? So why don't more humanitarian and development leaders do it? It has to do with our trust levels. In order to lead in an empowering way and create a more inclusive environment, we need three essential components. It's what I call the Trust Triangle. We need to trust in ourselves (self-confidence), trust in our team and trust in our organization. Without one of these, we will not be able to fully empower others. In this episode I discuss the first component, or self-trust, how to know if you don't have it, and how you can build it. Resources mentioned: <a href="https://www.aidforaidworkers.com/coaching-course" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Coach Approach Leadership Style</a>

Three Essential Components to Empower Your Team - Part One

If you're listening to this, you probably are interested in growing as a leader. So how can you grow continuously and become a better leader? This is what I share in this week's episode - the kinds of questions you can ask yourself that will help you keep growing and improving, so you can make the impact you want.   Resources Mentioned: The Coach Approach Leadership Style Registration open now until July 7th!

If you're listening to this, you probably are interested in growing as a leader. So how can you grow continuously and become a better leader? This is what I share in this week's episode - the kinds of questions you can ask yourself that will help you keep growing and improving, so you can make the impact you want. Resources Mentioned: <a href="https://www.aidforaidworkers.com/coaching-course" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Coach Approach Leadership Style</a> Registration open now until July 7th!

How to Continuously Improve as a Leader

It's important to recognize how much we have accomplished and milestones along the way in our leadership journey. Today I am celebrating episode 250 with a special guest, Mark Peter Notaras.  We discuss some recent achievements we have both accomplished, and the importance of recognizing how far we have come. Mark Peter Notaras was on episode 7 and now is back to share the handover of the Timor-Leste Food Lab and its flagship restaurant Agora Food Studio to a local team.   In this episode Mark and I discuss why celebrating is not arrogance but part of maintaining wellbeing, and the type of leader he has had to be in order to step back and allow his team to do things their own way which has resulted in a stronger, more independent team. On 1st April 2023, after a seven year journey since 2016, Mark and his co-founder Alva K. Lim handed over their social enterprise to five young Timorese entrepreneurs. Cesaltina Tilman, Paula Torres, Kelo Araujo, Ana Da Costa and Eulalia Araujo will open their first enterprise in a new location in Timor-Leste's capital Dili in the coming months.  As mentioned if you'd like to support Agora Timor Leste Team during their transition period, please donate here. Additional Resources and Links Mentioned:  Mark Notaras Linkedin  Recruiting High Performers that Fit Your Organizational Culture (Episode 7!!) Timor-Leste Food Lab (Agora) website Video on Agora Food Studio mission 

It's important to recognize how much we have accomplished and milestones along the way in our leadership journey. Today I am celebrating episode 250 with a special guest, Mark Peter Notaras.  We discuss some recent achievements we have both accomplished, and the importance of recognizing how far we have come. Mark Peter Notaras was on episode 7 and now is back to share the handover of the Timor-Leste Food Lab and its flagship restaurant Agora Food Studio to a local team.   In this episode Mark and I discuss why celebrating is not arrogance but part of maintaining wellbeing, and the type of leader he has had to be in order to step back and allow his team to do things their own way which has resulted in a stronger, more independent team. On 1st April 2023, after a seven year journey since 2016, Mark and his co-founder Alva K. Lim handed over their social enterprise to five young Timorese entrepreneurs. Cesaltina Tilman, Paula Torres, Kelo Araujo, Ana Da Costa and Eulalia Araujo will open their first enterprise in a new location in Timor-Leste's capital Dili in the coming months.  As mentioned if you'd like to support Agora Timor Leste Team during their transition period, p<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/agora-food-studios-move-to-timorese-ownership" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">lease donate here.</a> Additional Resources and Links Mentioned: <ul> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-peter-notaras-727b7b1/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Notaras Linkedin </a></li> <li><a href="https://www.aidforaidworkers.com/blog/7" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Recruiting High Performers that Fit Your Organizational Culture (Episode 7!!)</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.timorlestefoodlab.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Timor-Leste Food Lab (Agora)</a> website</li> <li><a href="https://youtu.be/cnQ7WNdq21c" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">Video on Agora Food Studio </a>mission</li> </ul>

The Importance of Recognizing How Far We've Come

Successful leaders have strong relationships with their teams. When your team feels you value them and trust them, they will want to help you succeed. When they win, you win. So how can you build a strong relationship? It starts with strong communication. Learn more in this week's episode on how certain communication skills (especially listening) can make the difference between building connection or fueling disconnection.

Successful leaders have strong relationships with their teams. When your team feels you value them and trust them, they will want to help you succeed. When they win, you win. So how can you build a strong relationship? It starts with strong communication. Learn more in this week's episode on how certain communication skills (especially listening) can make the difference between building connection or fueling disconnection.

How to Strengthen Your Relationship with Your Team

Many of us underestimate how our values influence how we feel and show up as leaders. How can you tell if you are not aligned with your values? You may feel stressed, frustrated or demotivated. When you understand your values and make decisions to prioritize them, you can become motivated, inspired and excited. I have seen it many times working with leaders - how simply understanding what motivates them (personal values) can change the way they work and lead. Find out more about how to know if you are aligned with your values and what to do about it in this week's episode. Resources mentioned: What Are Your Values Exercise The Coach Approach Leadership Style Course

Many of us underestimate how our values influence how we feel and show up as leaders. How can you tell if you are not aligned with your values? You may feel stressed, frustrated or demotivated. When you understand your values and make decisions to prioritize them, you can become motivated, inspired and excited. I have seen it many times working with leaders - how simply understanding what motivates them (personal values) can change the way they work and lead. Find out more about how to know if you are aligned with your values and what to do about it in this week's episode. Resources mentioned: <a href="https://www.mindtools.com/a5eygum/what-are-your-values" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">What Are Your Values Exercise</a> <a href="https://www.aidforaidworkers.com/coaching-course" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Coach Approach Leadership Style Course</a>

The Most Motivating and Effective Way to Lead

What makes us give up when we want to learn something new? We start out really motivated. We envision ourselves mastering the skill - dancing, budgeting, whatever it is. And then we start applying it... And we realize we have a long way to go to master this skill. We see how far off we are - how it seems almost impossible to become a great singer or delegator or whatever. And so we give up. Of course we give up! We are looking at how far we have to go. Rather than how far we have already come. A simple reframing, and yet focusing on how far we have already come will be way more motivating, and fun. And that means you are more likely to continue. Learn more about how to measure progress in a way that helps you achieve, rather than burnout and give up, in this episode. Resources mentioned: The Gap and The Gain, by Dan Sullivan and Dr Benjamin Hardy

What makes us give up when we want to learn something new? We start out really motivated. We envision ourselves mastering the skill - dancing, budgeting, whatever it is. And then we start applying it... And we realize we have a long way to go to master this skill. We see how far off we are - how it seems almost impossible to become a great singer or delegator or whatever. And so we give up. Of course we give up! We are looking at how far we have to go. Rather than how far we have already come. A simple reframing, and yet focusing on how far we have already come will be way more motivating, and fun. And that means you are more likely to continue. Learn more about how to measure progress in a way that helps you achieve, rather than burnout and give up, in this episode. Resources mentioned: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Gap-Gain-Achievers-Happiness-Confidence/dp/1401964362" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Gap and The Gain, by Dan Sullivan and Dr Benjamin Hardy</a>

A Motivating Way to Measure Progress

How do I lead a team in international development to better performance, while maintaining my wellbeing and making an impact in the community?  Using her 12 years' experience in international development as well as professional coaching background, host Torrey Peace answers these questions and more in The Aid for Aid Workers Leadership Podcast.  Here you'll find a mix of mini trainings and step-by-step guides, as well as best practices from other aid workers and a healthy dose of coaching from Torrey herself.  If you're ready to become the leader you admire, then tune in weekly and start broadening your impact!

If knowledge was the only thing preventing us from taking action, we would all be a lot healthier and manage our time better. But that's not the way it works. We know many things - like that we need to get more sleep. But knowing doesn't mean we will get more sleep. Before we are able to take action, we need to better understand the being part. That is, how is my identity helping me or hindering me from sustainable behavior change? Once we identify ourselves as someone who does not work on weekends, the doing becomes obvious: we don't work on weekends. But it requires a true BEING shift. Learn more about how to shift your BEING so that you can DOING becomes easier and longer lasting in this episode.

If knowledge was the only thing preventing us from taking action, we would all be a lot healthier and manage our time better. But that's not the way it works. We know many things - like that we need to get more sleep. But knowing doesn't mean we will get more sleep. Before we are able to take action, we need to better understand the being part. That is, how is my identity helping me or hindering me from sustainable behavior change? Once we identify ourselves as someone who does not work on weekends, the doing becomes obvious: we don't work on weekends. But it requires a true BEING shift. Learn more about how to shift your BEING so that you can DOING becomes easier and longer lasting in this episode.

Being Before Doing: The Key to True Behavior Change

We say we are humanitarians.  That we help people. But would a true humanitarian prioritize results over their team? This is unfortunately what many of us do. We say we are too busy to coach or work with developing our teams. Too busy on proposals or attending meetings that lead nowhere. We have lost sight of our priorities, and rather than being rewarded for prioritizing our teams and their development, we are focused on growth and reaching more, doing more. The result? Our teams (and ourselves) are in burnout, and we look for some external change to make it all better. A change that might not happen - or take a long time to happen. So why not BE that change yourself? In this episode I share how you can be the change - how you can be an example of a true humanitarian leader - and inspire those around you to do the same.

We say we are humanitarians.  That we help people. But would a true humanitarian prioritize results over their team? This is unfortunately what many of us do. We say we are too busy to coach or work with developing our teams. Too busy on proposals or attending meetings that lead nowhere. We have lost sight of our priorities, and rather than being rewarded for prioritizing our teams and their development, we are focused on growth and reaching more, doing more. The result? Our teams (and ourselves) are in burnout, and we look for some external change to make it all better. A change that might not happen - or take a long time to happen. So why not BE that change yourself? In this episode I share how you can be the change - how you can be an example of a true humanitarian leader - and inspire those around you to do the same.

The True Humanitarian Leader

We are told by a lot of external sources what we SHOULD want in life and work. For example, social media tells us what we should be doing, how we should be thinking. Advertisements tell us what cars we need or food to be fulfilled. Society also tells us what we should want - children, a house, a college degree, etc. And many of us follow this without questioning it. And yet - have you ever reflected on what YOU want? Not by looking externally - but by seeking internally? And what about as a leader - what do you want to achieve? In this episode I reflect on the power of understanding what YOU want, and how much purpose, motivation and direction it can give to your everyday work.

We are told by a lot of external sources what we SHOULD want in life and work. For example, social media tells us what we should be doing, how we should be thinking. Advertisements tell us what cars we need or food to be fulfilled. Society also tells us what we should want - children, a house, a college degree, etc. And many of us follow this without questioning it. And yet - have you ever reflected on what YOU want? Not by looking externally - but by seeking internally? And what about as a leader - what do you want to achieve? In this episode I reflect on the power of understanding what YOU want, and how much purpose, motivation and direction it can give to your everyday work.

What Do YOU Want?

We all have times where we procrastinate and put off doing something. Have you ever thought about why? At a simple level it has to do with avoiding a feeling we are having. For example, we feel overwhelm, or anxious or afraid when we think about doing something, and so we choose to do something else. Recently I found a simple thing you can do when planning your week that will reduce the chances you procrastinate.   In this episode you'll learn what it is and how you can immediately start using to reduce the likelihood you will procrastinate and even feel more motivated to get things done.

We all have times where we procrastinate and put off doing something. Have you ever thought about why? At a simple level it has to do with avoiding a feeling we are having. For example, we feel overwhelm, or anxious or afraid when we think about doing something, and so we choose to do something else. Recently I found a simple thing you can do when planning your week that will reduce the chances you procrastinate.   In this episode you'll learn what it is and how you can immediately start using to reduce the likelihood you will procrastinate and even feel more motivated to get things done.

A Simple Way to Stop Procrastinating

When you think of skills that are important to list in your CV or resume, you probably think of hard skills.  That is, quantifiable or measurable accomplishments. Hard skills are important when it comes to tasks where we do not rely on others. But in team environments and as leaders, soft skills may even prove more important. You can do all the budgeting you want or data analysis, but if you do not have the communication skills to relay that information so others can understand and accept it, then it becomes almost pointless. In this episode I share why soft skills are so powerful and the importance on focusing on them if you are going to succeed as a leader. Resources mentioned: Doing It Right to Do It Wrong The Coach Approach Leadership Style 

When you think of skills that are important to list in your CV or resume, you probably think of hard skills.  That is, quantifiable or measurable accomplishments. Hard skills are important when it comes to tasks where we do not rely on others. But in team environments and as leaders, soft skills may even prove more important. You can do all the budgeting you want or data analysis, but if you do not have the communication skills to relay that information so others can understand and accept it, then it becomes almost pointless. In this episode I share why soft skills are so powerful and the importance on focusing on them if you are going to succeed as a leader. Resources mentioned: <a href="https://www.aidforaidworkers.com/blog/do-right-239" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Doing It Right to Do It Wrong</a> <a href="https://www.aidforaidworkers.com/coaching-course" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Coach Approach Leadership Style </a>

Undervalued Skills That Make a Big Impact

When we first start a conversation with our team member, they may say they want to solve a certain problem. But if we allow them the ability to think things through, sometimes the original problem is not the REAL problem. In other words, what they say they want is not what they REALLY want. This is a powerful realization, and can mean the difference between having a conversation which results in no action because the root problem has not been addressed, versus one that allows forward movement. This is a common occurence in coaching, and an important thing to catch. If when you are coaching you detect what your coachee or team member said in the beginning is not what they really want, you can ask to change the focus of the session, and make it a lot more productive. In this episode I provide some examples of what this looks like, how to detect it and what to do when you do. Resources mentioned: The Coach Approach Leadership Style  The Power and Impact of Coaching in the Humanitarian and Development Sector - Humanitarian Networks and Partnership Weeks

When we first start a conversation with our team member, they may say they want to solve a certain problem. But if we allow them the ability to think things through, sometimes the original problem is not the REAL problem. In other words, what they say they want is not what they REALLY want. This is a powerful realization, and can mean the difference between having a conversation which results in no action because the root problem has not been addressed, versus one that allows forward movement. This is a common occurence in coaching, and an important thing to catch. If when you are coaching you detect what your coachee or team member said in the beginning is not what they really want, you can ask to change the focus of the session, and make it a lot more productive. In this episode I provide some examples of what this looks like, how to detect it and what to do when you do. Resources mentioned: <a href="https://www.aidforaidworkers.com/coaching-course" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Coach Approach Leadership Style </a> <a href="https://vosocc.unocha.org/Report.aspx?page=o0t9pExuBwP8ephPdcoDLpUpOpndDuxxxslash9MxGiVRiznGQxxxequal" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Power and Impact of Coaching in the Humanitarian and Development Sector</a> - Humanitarian Networks and Partnership Weeks

What Do They REALLY Want?

Are you humble? And if you say you're humble---does that make you not humble? We may think we are being humble with our teams. But many aid worker leaders (myself included) have come to define our validity as leaders with the ability to tell our teams what to do.   Our ego is tied to our ability to provide the answers. We are not being humble enough to admit our way is not the only way. And that although telling others what to do makes us feel important, it doesn't help our team in the long run. This doesn't make you a bad person or a bad leader. But you can be an even more effective leader - if your goal is to strengthen your team and have them less reliant on you for answers. In this episode I explore how to know if you are truly a humble leader - and the impact being humble can have for you and your team. Resources mentioned: Humility in Service to Life - "The Way Out Is In" podcast

Are you humble? And if you say you're humble---does that make you not humble? We may think we are being humble with our teams. But many aid worker leaders (myself included) have come to define our validity as leaders with the ability to tell our teams what to do.   Our ego is tied to our ability to provide the answers. We are not being humble enough to admit our way is not the only way. And that although telling others what to do makes us feel important, it doesn't help our team in the long run. This doesn't make you a bad person or a bad leader. But you can be an even more effective leader - if your goal is to strengthen your team and have them less reliant on you for answers. In this episode I explore how to know if you are truly a humble leader - and the impact being humble can have for you and your team. Resources mentioned: <a href="https://plumvillage.org/podcast/humility-in-service-to-life-episode-48/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Humility in Service to Life</a> - "The Way Out Is In" podcast

Humility Is Empowerment

Have you ever learned a new skill and did it perfectly the first time? Probably not... at least if it's a skill like learning a language, riding a bike or delegating to your team. Even though it is almost impossible to do something perfectly the first time, many of us still think we can do so. I see it in my coaching students - the desire to do coaching perfectly the first time they try it. To skip the hard steps of learning. To simply "know how" without any practice. The thing is, when we skip the hard part, the part where we get it wrong, then we are skipping the part that benefits us the most ---- the part where we grow. Getting it wrong allows us to grow and build resiliency. It builds our self-confidence. It is the key to achieving more goals in our life. So it's actually quite important. Maybe even more so than achieving the goal itself. In this episode I share how embracing the difficult parts of learning allows us to benefit most from it, and how you can start doing so even today.

Have you ever learned a new skill and did it perfectly the first time? Probably not... at least if it's a skill like learning a language, riding a bike or delegating to your team. Even though it is almost impossible to do something perfectly the first time, many of us still think we can do so. I see it in my coaching students - the desire to do coaching perfectly the first time they try it. To skip the hard steps of learning. To simply "know how" without any practice. The thing is, when we skip the hard part, the part where we get it wrong, then we are skipping the part that benefits us the most ---- the part where we grow. Getting it wrong allows us to grow and build resiliency. It builds our self-confidence. It is the key to achieving more goals in our life. So it's actually quite important. Maybe even more so than achieving the goal itself. In this episode I share how embracing the difficult parts of learning allows us to benefit most from it, and how you can start doing so even today.

Doing It Wrong to Do It Right

Last week we looked at how to become aware of how we are using our time through conducting a Time Audit 2.0 (looking at both activities and energy level).  Now that you know how you currently use your time, we can start to decide if that is how we want to use our time.  The series of questions in this episode will help you decide how much control you have over your time, where your current actions are leading you and then how you want to intentionally use your time. Understanding the answers to these questions will allow you to make decisions that allow you to be in control over your time and where it is leading you, instead of being a victim of it.  

Last week we looked at how to become aware of how we are using our time through conducting a Time Audit 2.0 (looking at both activities and energy level).  Now that you know how you currently use your time, we can start to decide if that is how we want to use our time.  The series of questions in this episode will help you decide how much control you have over your time, where your current actions are leading you and then how you want to intentionally use your time. Understanding the answers to these questions will allow you to make decisions that allow you to be in control over your time and where it is leading you, instead of being a victim of it.

How to Gain Control Over Your Time - Part Two

"Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become." - James Clear, Atomic Habits This quote captures the topic of today perfectly.  That is, if you compound your actions on a daily or weekly basis, where will they lead you in a year, or even three?   Are you going in the direction you hope to go, or are you going in a direction someone else wants you to go? Will you achieve your goals as a leader, or even the impact you hope to make? Part of being able to answer this question is first becoming aware of how we are currently spending our time.  We can go through our day and by the end of it not recall how we used our time. This is why building awareness is the first step to gaining control over our time.  In this episode I review how you can build awareness through a Time Audit 2.0, which also includes how your energy levels are impacted by the tasks you do.  After you become aware of how you spend your time, then next week we will look at how you WANT to use it.   It's the difference between achieving your goals - or someone else's.

"Every action you take is a vote for the person you wish to become." - James Clear, Atomic Habits This quote captures the topic of today perfectly.  That is, if you compound your actions on a daily or weekly basis, where will they lead you in a year, or even three?   Are you going in the direction you hope to go, or are you going in a direction someone else wants you to go? Will you achieve your goals as a leader, or even the impact you hope to make? Part of being able to answer this question is first becoming aware of how we are currently spending our time.  We can go through our day and by the end of it not recall how we used our time. This is why building awareness is the first step to gaining control over our time.  In this episode I review how you can build awareness through a Time Audit 2.0, which also includes how your energy levels are impacted by the tasks you do.  After you become aware of how you spend your time, then next week we will look at how you WANT to use it.   It's the difference between achieving your goals - or someone else's.

How to Gain Control Over Your Time - Part One

Practical strategies based on lived field experience and in a digestible 30+ min conversation is perfect for the busy professional and student of dev alike. Torrey keeps the convo moving teasing out specific learning and major moments of clarity from her guest while also weaving in  her own international dev/humanitarian experience. A4A is a reliable podcast that keeps me mindful of what actually matters in this line of work - centering communities and being an intentional colleague and supervisor.

Wide ranging and always substantive

Aid for aid workers is refreshing and relatable! Torrey’s interviews with diverse and experienced guests provide insight on topics that tend to be unique and helpful in this line of work. I’m often in situations where her tips and guidance are useful and I frequently send episodes to colleagues that  face similar challenges. Good for professional development, yet a fun podcast for traveling and commuting!

Broadening my impact!

Aid for Aid Workers Leadership Podcast

A philosophy I am aspiring to live by right now is to take more responsibility in my work and life.  That means recognizing that the results in my life and work are consequences of the choices I have made.  Sometimes we confuse what is within our control and what is outside of it, meaning we do not always recognize how much control we have over certain outcomes (health, professional advancement, etc).  In this episode I present three primary areas aid workers forget we have control and how to regain control so you move closer to the work and life you want. 

A philosophy I am aspiring to live by right now is to take more responsibility in my work and life.  That means recognizing that the results in my life and work are consequences of the choices I have made.  Sometimes we confuse what is within our control and what is outside of it, meaning we do not always recognize how much control we have over certain outcomes (health, professional advancement, etc).  In this episode I present three primary areas aid workers forget we have control and how to regain control so you move closer to the work and life you want.

Taking Responsibility

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OwlTail

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