Core Values Series Part 5 - Rest & Reflect

Every year we take time to recognize team members that best personify the 5 Core Values of Newmind Group. Those 5 core values are: Be Awesome, Get Stuff Done, Make Things Better, Make Mistakes, Rest and Reflect. This is the final article of our Core Values series, written by Newminder Luke about Resting & Reflecting. Enjoy!

Reed Flute Cave - Reflecting Pool via Brent Rostad

Time to unwind.  

Work is done and you need to recharge.  Rest and reflection time is tough to come by for most of us, but making it a priority pays off big.  We all need a counterpoint to the daily hustle.  Our minds need space to be contemplative, to make abstractions and to pursue the things that ignite our passions.

Finding something beautiful or fascinating or just plain fun might not be easy for everybody.  Our culture doesn't always validate these kinds of pursuits, and seeing them as secondary or auxiliary to the main goal - productivity - sets us up for failure.


I argue these pursuits are complimentary and every bit as important as work-oriented initiatives.  If you look at your brain like a mostly well-trained horse, it offers a decent example of how we should treat our grey matter.  When we jump in the saddle, we’re ready to kick it into high gear and do some real galloping.  But if your horse has spent the last 3 days locked in a stall, it isn't going to behave the same as if it had spend it’s time free, exploring your ranch, running with the other horses.  Giving your horse this freedom to follow it’s inner compass will give it balance and improve its all around well-being.

How I do

So what are my R&R pursuits?  I’m all over the map.

via photosteve101

My number 1 go-to is writing.  I find all creative pursuits favorable, but constructing with language is especially rewarding for me.  Under that umbrella, poetry is my main squeeze.  If a novel is like a half-barrel keg of light beer (great for marathon sessions of drinking games), and a short story is like a small cooler of microbrews (just right for a lazy weekend on the river), then poetry is a short tumbler of single-malt scotch (perfect for an evening on the porch, watching the stars trace across the sky).  For me, it’s the most flavorful, most interesting of all the literature drinks.  I love reading poems, but somehow I’m always led away from consumption and into the act of creation.

I don’t look for inspiration, per say, but I instead try to remain open enough to notice it.  It can come from anywhere.  Watching people interact, listening to the right music, hiking to a new destination, or even reading someone else’s poem.  The process is different every time, but it normally starts with 1 line.  Something that sounds like I’ve never heard anything like it before.  Something that that makes me want to stop what I’m doing and write it down.  If it can grab me like that, maybe it will do the same to someone else.  And at the end of the day, that’s what all art is about:  communication.  Relaying some facet of the human experience in a way that others can resonate with.

So that’s what I do to refuel my brain.  Sometimes.  Other times, it’s downhill skiing or running with my dog or video games or a round of golf with friends.  The point is, I’ve come to understand that I’m a better me when I take time to do these things.  I’m better at my job and I’m better at home.  When you walk into work in the morning with a smile on your face, like a boss and ready to GSD (see this post), you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Core Values Part 2 - Get Stuff Done: The Newmind Hallmark

Earlier this year we held our summer company party. At that party we take time to recognize team members that best personify the 5 Core Values of Newmind Group. Those 5 core values are: Be Awesome, Get Stuff Done, Make Things Better, Make Mistakes, Rest and Reflect. This is the second article of our Core Values series, written by Newminder Luke about the Newmind Group core value. Enjoy!

The cardinal Newmind value is Get Stuff Done.  GSD.  It’s blunt, and it speaks for itself.  There’s no explanatory paragraph on why Newmind thinks Getting Stuff Done is important, because Newminders define it ourselves.  We’re proud of the incredible work ethic we all have, and we have fun feeding off each other.  We might recognize our teammates’ GSD prowess with impromptu high fives, group email shout-outs (sometimes triggering hilarious .gif memes),  or nominations for the Hustle Board.  Hustle Board?  On the giant, 12 foot whiteboard that sprawls across a wall at Newmind HQ,  that’s the prestigious spot in the corner reserved for the Newminder that recently went above and beyond.


Plus, every year at our summer bash, a special event takes place: the Newmind Awards.  Votes are tallied for which Newminder we all think best represented each of the 5 values over the course of the past year.  We rally around these traditions because they’re authentic.  Nothing is forced; participation is organic.  Recently, we dedicated a full week to each Newmind value.    Winners in each category gave tips on how they mastered their value.  Then, at the end of the week, we shared how we all focused on integrating that value into our workflows.

How I GSD

If you could take a pair of scissors and just cut out all the nonsense from your job, you’d be left with something that looks a lot like working at Newmind.  That being said, the crew at Newmind is at a real advantage when it comes to great coworkers, even better leadership, and an established company culture that’s just awesome.  When I, and fellow Newminder Steve, co-won the GSD award, we both shared our tips & tricks for Getting Stuff Done.  Remarkably, our methodology for serious work handling were very similar.

3 Common Principles To GSD

We both found that, when faced with a mountain of work, we attacked the problem in much the same way.  We talked about them differently, but three common principles were part of both our arsenals: Organization, Sequencing, and Adaptation.

1) Organization
Organization seems like an obvious precursor to kick-ass productivity, but it can easily be pushed aside during a GSD blizzard.  That’s why pre-storm prep is crucial if you want to see the sun again.  Taking time, before you dive into your day, to think about how the tasks at hand can make a huge impact on what you get done.  Step back and think abstractly about what needs to be accomplished, and then prioritize it.  For most of us, there is more to be done than what a day can hold.  This way, the critical tasks get crossed off the list first.

2) Sequencing
Sequencing is another key ingredient in a tasty GSD pie.  When you have 6 hours of X to do, 1.5 hours of Y, and a half hour of Z, what’s the best way to get through all three?  Plow through each like you’re pushing a boulder up a mountain?  Maybe you enjoy Z more than X or Y.  Slicing Z up into 15 minute pieces, and then breaking up X and Y with those delicious Z filets can help keep your motivation where it needs to be.  Shifting gears like that helps keep my mind fresh, and lets me re-approach things throughout the day with renewed perspective and all-around more GSD attitude.

3) Adaptation
Adaptaion is the final piece of being a GSD champion.  You can master the first two, but when things pop up in the middle of the day, or something doesn’t go like you envision, agility will keep you from being tackled like a quarterback without a defensive line.  Changing directions on the fly can mean things getting dropped in the chaos.  Keeping thorough notes throughout the day about progress, updated priorities, changing variables, or other details can mean the difference between being able to pick up right where you left off and looking at your work like it’s some kind of stone tableau adorned with undecipherable glyphs carved in what looks nothing like your handwriting.  Leave yourself a trail of informational breadcrumbs, and you’ll find your way back home every time.

How Do You GSD?

So these are some rough dimensions of a workspace that fits my needs, but you may have something else in mind.  I like space westerns, maybe you’re into documentaries about bioluminescent fish.  Thanks okay, just own it.  My main advice here is to take the time to identify a handful of actionable principles that compliment you at your job.  When you find those methods that work, zoom in on why.  What is it about working a certain way that makes you better?  Once you have that answer you can start applying it to other areas of yourself, and you’ll be on the road to GSDville.

Luke Reynolds is a new member of Newmind's IT managed services team. Previously he worked with schools, not-for-profits, and businesses to help them acquire and deploy Google Chromebooks on the enterprise level.

Luke Reynolds enjoys writing, music, film, and any form of radical human expression. He's also a rabid proponent of Kalamazoo's local roller derby team, the Killamazoo Derby Darlins.

Core Values Part 1 - This is an Awesome Blog Post

Earlier this year we held our summer company party. At that party we take time to recognize team members that best personify the 5 Core Values of Newmind Group. Those 5 core values are: Be Awesome, Get Stuff Done, Make Things Better, Make Mistakes, Rest and Reflect. As we get closer to the end of this year we’re going to showcase those Newminders and their stories as only best they could, in their own words. Enjoy!

Hi, I’m Ben. I was rated highest for the 'Be Awesome' core value. I know what you’re thinking. Yes, it is a big deal.

I am awesome in large part to my exuberant hilariousness (second only to my sincere humility.) Everyone, of course,  is awesome in different ways. There are ways to be awesome besides God-given natural talent. I have compiled some ways to exude awesomeness in your life.

Be Happy

“When things go wrong, don't go with them.” - Elvis Presley

Being positive and happy gives your customers, the people you work with and yourself a better experience. You can’t go wrong with positivity. Smile when you are talking to people whether face to face or on the phone. The difference is amazing.

Part of being happy is understanding that you have control over your own happiness. It is not just people with great lives, tons of money and Chevy Astro’s that are happy. ‘Happiness experts’ say that 40% of your happiness is in your control. I do not know what that means or how they figured that out. I do know that we can choose to be happy.

Ben with his Chevy Astro

Be Kind

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” - Dalai Lama XIV

Being kind is what good people do. It helps you as well as making life better for others. Kindness has been scientifically proven to make you happier. Every time you perform a selfless act your brain produces serotonin. Serotonin eases tension and lifts your spirits.

Treating people well also helps you to deepen your relationships. When dealing with people it is easy to judge the situation from your point of view. A good way to find kindness in a situation is to put yourself in their position. I find this especially helpful when dealing with customers about anything technical. What I deal with 40 hours a week should seem simple to me, not the customer.

Be Thankful

“Rest and be thankful.” - William Wordsworth

One of the simplest and most powerful things you can do in your life is be thankful. The simplicity lies in how many options there are. In today's fast paced world it is increasingly less common for people to reflect on their life. It should only take a second to think of something to be thankful for. I am typing on a computer. I am thankful I have a computer (a pretty sweet one too). I am in a house. Bam! I am thankful for shelter. I have coffee, food, family, a car, insanely good looks. See how easy it is!

If you are feeling sad about your life get perspective. You  are probably going to eat today. Some people aren’t. Access to this post means you are among the richest people in the world. See where you fall here: www.globalrichlist.com. Understand how great you're life is.

Reflect on how you can be thankful to others. I am sure we have all spent a decent amount of time reflecting on how horrible people are. I think it is only reasonable to spend at least as much time on how great people are. Never miss a chance to say thank you.

Be Humble

“A great man is always willing to be little.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Here at Newmind I am surrounded by people that are brilliant. Leaders, tech masters, customer relations experts and more. The ability to see my faults and be awestruck at others’ proficiency is good for me to appreciate not only their greatness but my shortcomings. Knowing that there is so much that I can improve upon keeps me humble.

Self glorification and competition to assuage your ego is anti humble. Do everything you can well because it is who you are. Not for some gratification or reward and you are a humble zen master.

Go Be Awesome

These are all big ideas and I am no expert on any one of them. You don’t perfect being happy and move on. The important thing is to have self awareness of how awesome you are and always push yourself to become more awesome.

Writing this has challenged me to be improve on these facets of my life. So to recap... I was happy writing this, you are all awesome, thank you for reading, and I expect no rewards.

Continue to the second article of the Core Values series: Get Stuff Done

Ben Morris is the reigning Funniest Newminder (yes that’s a thing), a father, and is a new member of Newmind Group's Google Apps team. He holds a bachelor's degree in communications from Western Michigan University and is determined to uncover the secrets of how humor can help organizational communication.

Ben loves the great outdoors and spends his time outside of work camping and boating with his wife and three children. Contact him at ben@newmindgroup.com.