2010 Doubt: Doubt Can Be Good for You and Your Team
Terri Norvell

What a time of change and transition we are living in. Economic recovery is underway and a whole new year is only days away. Are you uncertain about how to move forward and wary of having too much optimism? Join the group.

Doubt appears to be the norm. Yet, Doubt isn't always bad... when you consider there are 3 different types of Doubt. Only one of which is not good or useful.

This unfortunate doubt is INSECURE DOUBT. Doubt gets a bad rap when you're stuck in the mental muck of Insecure Doubt. You know the type. For example, the fear that due to so many layoffs occurring, you're next, with no real justification for the fear. It's concern or fear of the unknown, that downward mental spiral in your head, worry and more worry. This type of doubt sure can stop you and halt forward movement. It can be tough to see the light at the end of any tunnel.

This doesn't serve you, your team, company or family in 2010!

Then there is INQUIRY DOUBT. This is that healthy skepticism that has you research further, gather more facts, talk to others about solutions, propels action and a higher level of understanding.

An example of Inquiry Doubt is handling a miscommunication up front, understanding that instead of rushing to a negative judgment, perhaps you didn't get the full story. Inquiry Doubt would engage you to find out the truth and be able to move on with greater understanding and effectiveness.

Where would we be without challenges and challenging situations to spur us on to create better solutions? To inquire about new possibilities. It's never been more true that 'necessity is the mother of invention.'

We certainly need more Inquiry into the current, pressing challenges we each face to create better ways in 2010.

Then there is the mother of all Doubt: INSPIRED DOUBT. This happens when you have the knowhow, the skills and experience to handle a doubt so there is no concern.

You have a knowing that all will work out very well. The doubt is self motivating as you find an inner strength and resource that had been overlooked before the doubt occurred. Authenticity is a good tool with Inspired Doubt as you champion a cause.

You experience Inspired Doubt when you take a leadership role with yourself and others, when you bring calm to the storm, when your navigation brings success, because it always does.

It's trusting that when one door closes... another will open. You know this to be true. Yet, how often do we forget?

This is where personal and organizational changes occur with ease. Forward progress is seen that otherwise would not have happened. This is when living and working is truly fun and rewarding without needless strife.

So as you look ahead toward 2010, may all your Doubts find Inspired Solutions for a great year ahead. Here's to thinking differently!

Terri Norvell is a national property management consultant, trainer, author and keynote presenter. Her expertise in the fields of professional leadership and team building for bottom-line results assists companies in growing their people and their profits.

Contact Terri Norvell - property management consultant

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