Let’s be honest. You dread certain tasks. Really dread them. You might even wake up in the morning and experience a sinking “ugghhh” feeling when you remember it.
Here’s the kicker: not only do you dislike this type of task, and feel exhausted just thinking about it, but these types of tasks position you as a merely average performer.
It gets worse — these types of assignments could damage your reputation, because they put you at a serious disadvantage.
How to spot your quicksand areas, before they even begin? It all comes down to your results from your Fascinate® Test.
Why certain tasks feel like quicksand
Let’s say you’re right–handed. You could, theoretically, write with your left hand. But it would feel awkward, exhausting, and discouraging. This same principle applies to your performance at work.
Kristin has a primary Mystique Advantage. Her manager expects her to sparkle with gregarious banter while schmoozing clients. However, with primary Mystique, Kristin dreads these networking events because she feels uncomfortably thrust into the limelight. These situations suck her energy, dragging her down like quicksand.
Quicksand tasks exhaust your time and energy, and distract you from the critical areas that will lead to results. In quicksand mode, you’re less likely to impress and influence people.
Why other tasks give you confidence and energy
Wellspring tasks give you energy, rather than requiring energy. They make you feel focused, confident, and in the flow. Coworkers and clients seek you out in your wellspring areas, because it’s so clear that this is where you shine.
For a quick tip on immediately applying these concepts to improving productivity — Ask yourself two simple questions:
What are your WELLSPRINGS? (Do more of these, because they showcase your natural Advantages.) Your wellsprings come directly from your top Advantages.
What types of projects are your QUICKSAND? (Watch out for these! They can damage people’s perception of you.)
Here’s my answer to these questions:
“My wellsprings include activities such as idea development, writing notes to you, and playing fetch with my French Bulldog puppy, Bacon. My quicksand? Spreadsheets (ugh!) and proofreading (uggghhh!).”
How about you? What are your WELLSPRING moments, when you feel energized and focused? On the other hand, what are your dreaded areas of QUICKSAND?
Take this further with your team
Imagine what your team could accomplish if every person knew how to spend more time in their Wellspring and avoid the Quicksand that drags performance down.
The Fascinate® Test gives you insight into how each person naturally communicates, collaborates, and contributes at their best. It’s fast, fun, and uncovers how to get more energy, creativity, and results from your people, without burning them out.
