We realize it sounds pretentious (is it enough to promise we’re actually being sincere?) but we try to never take the path of least resistance and we know that the discomfort of completing hard tasks gives us confidence and growth.
When we were deciding on our official corporate values, we tried to identify common denominators among our people. We wanted our values to reflect the things that our best people do on their best days – putting a name to those qualities felt like a solid place to start. So for the last five years, we’ve embraced values like #TeamSkonaFirst, #HumbleConfidence and #DoggedCuriosity.
Recently, we took a look at our company and realized we had evolved, grown up, and embraced something else. What did we embrace? Well, we #EmbracedDiscomfort – and ended up on a whirlwind journey of growth and maturation as an organization. We realized #EmbraceDiscomfort has played a part in our success, so we added it to our values. Now we’re ready to share how it’s helped us grow as a business and individuals!
I realize it may *sound* pretentious, but I promise we’re being sincere! We try to never take the path of least resistance and we know that the discomfort of completing hard tasks gives us confidence and growth.
In that spirit, here’s a list of 10 things that are universally hard to do in business, but we’ve found the results – and discomfort – to be worth it.
1. Just pick up the phone!
Don’t text, don’t email… have a conversation! We don’t quite understand this, but it seems the human race has stopped using the phone for talking. I mean, who answers a cold call these days (apart from your grandma)? So instead of continuing a frustrating email conversation, simply say “Can I call you, I think it will be quicker to sort out IRL” and move on. Done.
2. No No No!
It’s hard to disappoint people. Sometimes we do stupid things to avoid the discomfort of saying no. But we need to listen to our guts (and the data) here. If there’s no profit margin and the timeline is going to kill the team… say no. If the person you’re working with is an ass? Say no. One of the most important things you can learn in business is learning when to say no.
3. Bad news bears
Unfortunately, communication doesn’t happen by osmosis. Even though bad news sucks to hear, you need a plan for ensuring everyone knows what’s going on, good and bad. So stop sticking your head in the sand and remember, bad news doesn’t get any better if you deliver it tomorrow.
4. Be straight-up
Delivering honest feedback can be scary, but don’t resort to telling porky pies to avoid being disliked. Kim Scott was definitely right – part of becoming better in business means providing feedback and telling it as it is. And this goes for how you show up at work as well! Early in our careers, it’s common to believe that business people have totally different personalities at the office. But trust us: embrace the discomfort of realizing the closer your work persona comes to the real you, the more successful you’ll be. Of course, we’re not saying pick your nose in the open office (common sense people… common sense). But realize that the best you at work is not a fabrication or persona. It’s the real you.
5. Negotiating
Talking about money can feel taboo. You’re not “supposed” to bring it up or even ask for a raise. I know some people love bargaining, but there’s nothing I personally hate more. But! By embracing discomfort, we’ve learned to bring up money early and often, especially with potential clients. Blair Enns taught us when a new opportunity arises, we give the prospects an opportunity to say no – especially as it relates to budgets. We’re not trying to talk someone into hiring us. We know our worth and we’re not afraid to talk about it, or stick to our guns.
6. Don’t assume
We all know what happens when we assume… it just kicks the can down the road. At some point, you need certainty to be effective. Certainty makes the follow-up work easier, because it means you completely understand the request. Saying “I don’t get it” doesn’t mean you’re stupid – instead, it’s an opportunity for the person owning the information to reframe it and think it through from a different perspective. Maybe even go back to tip number one to help!
7. Show your work
Concepts, ideas, pitches, strategies: they’re all better when presented in person (fine… Zoom is okay too!). Inboxes are where good ideas go to die. All forms of presenting get better with practice and in my experience as a native Swede, Americans have an advantage internationally, as US schools generally do a great job at implementing this skill early and often. So don’t be shy! Whenever you get the opportunity to present, grab it. Even if it leaves you sleepless and biting your nails. We promise it gets better with practice!
8. Be accountable
And hold people accountable, too. It might seem easier to just do something yourself, but in taking that easier route, there’s no growth for you or the person you’re working with. You’re missing an opportunity to be honest and, by extension, they’re missing an opportunity to learn and grow. So take people for their word when they say they’re going to do something – and hold ‘em to it.
9. Stay open
Allow yourself to follow Brené Brown and be vulnerable. Know who you are and be brave enough to speak your truth. This truly requires embracing discomfort, but when you manage to do it… jackpot! We’ve already told you to speak your mind, present, be brave and talk about money… now we’re also asking you to be vulnerable and open enough to the fact that you might not always get those things right. And staying humble can be uncomfortable!
10. Really think it through.
This might not mean embracing discomfort for everyone, but for those of us who are “doers”, this is one of the most uncomfortable activities there is. Bill Gates does it; EOS recommends taking clarity breaks; and many successful business people talk about the importance of thinking. Thinking gets us away from working *in* the business to instead working *on* it: developing strategies, predictions and long-term plans. The upside to embracing the discomfort of sitting down to really think things through is that it’s a great way to protect your confidence. And if there’s anything that’s going to make you successful in business, it’s that chutzpah!
Embracing discomfort takes practice. It’s not easy. But we’re so happy our journey as an agency and people has forced us to do it. It’s a skill that can be learned – and the resulting confidence and growth makes us want to shout it from the rooftops!
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