6 Steps To Re-Energize Your Work And Life With The Working Out Loud method

In this blog, I will share my experience with the Working Out Loud (WOL) method by John Stepper. You will discover some of the benefits it can bring to your personal and professional life by helping you find the goals that truly matters to you.

Before we get into the heart of the method, I would like to highlight the path I went through prior to learning about the WOL method and why I ultimately decided to join the program.

Having worked at Bosch for 3 years now, I had the chance to join a community management training program.

This was the first time that I experienced what digital collaboration meant in practice, along with several Bosch colleagues from around the world. We have learned how to work together and collaborate in order to achieve a common goal: how to create and maintain an online community.

After the training was over, one of the group members I kept in touch with told me about a project he was taking part in: the Working Out Loud method (http://workingoutloud.com).

To be honest, the first time he explained the concept to me, I was a bit lost. It was a lot of information to take in and a new way of working that I had to assimilate. I also got the chance to meet John Stepper in person in Germany during a company event and I saw how genuine and dedicated he was. Shortly after the conference, I said to my future self: "Go ahead, just try, dive in, you can do it".

'Working Out Loud helps you build relationships that matter, that can help you in some way. For individuals, it helps you feel more engaged while giving you access to more opportunities. For an organization, it creates a more collaborative, innovative culture.'

A key part of the WOL method involves writing and sharing your first blog post with the world. As a community manager, I am used to sharing blog posts for my organization but sharing a blog with my personal experiences is something different and less an habit for me.

So when a friend of mine suggested that I should let others know what I learned with the WOL method, I thought this would be a great topic for this post.

So today is the big day: in my first blog post ever, I will share with you how WOL helped me drastically improve the way I work and communicate, and discover the positive impact it can have on your life.

A new way to reach your goals

1. Pay yourself first

I read an important tip in the WOL Getting started: A simple overview guide and that's something I kept in mind ever since:

'Building relationships is an investment in yourself. Remember to “pay yourself first.” Even a single 30-minute session each week or two 15-minute sessions will help you make meaningful progress!'

Block moments dedicated not only to your day-to-day tasks but also for making progress towards your long-term projects. This will have a positive impact on you, your work and your organisation in the mid and long run.

2. Make your work visible

Being part of a company with a traditional hierarchical structure, I was a bit afraid of making my work visible and taking initiatives. This method gave me the keys and legitimacy to be creative and taking up challenges.

That's a topic we discussed during our circle meeting and one time my ring leader told me: "Have you seen how much you improved and how much it seems now easier for you to interact with others and share your ideas?

And he was right, there was a real change and a noticeable improvement in terms of confidence and communication. But, how was that possible and how can you achieve the same? Just do it step by step!

3. Take baby steps

The key is to take baby steps. Start with little contributions like following people you'd like to connect with, and follow up by liking and sharing their updates on social media. By doing so, you will be more confident to get in contact with the people that can help you achieve your goal.

4. Ask yourself what you have to offer

' Contribute to individuals in your network without expectations, knowing that, across the entirely of the network, reciprocal altruism makes it likely you will ultimately benefit too' (Working out loud — the book, chapter 6).

Before making a contribution, ask yourself what you really have to offer as a gift to others. That's the same I am doing here with this blog post, the main purpose is to give you some examples of the benefits the method can offer to your own life. And who knows, this may lead us to communicate and exchange our experiences.

Writing this blog was already a great experience for me, as I have been in contact with colleagues, asking for their support, opinions and suggestions. Two of them even decided to follow the WOL movement and invest time in their own blog.

5. When you feel uncomfortable, great things happen

Getting out of your comfort zone, trying new things out allows you to to apply a self-analysis and create a new dynamic with significant and positive impacts.

Challenging yourself on the basis of defined targets like the WOL method gives you a direction and the necessary support even when the exercise may seem uncomfortable at first.

6. Make it an habit

One of the great exercise we have done during our circle was 'a letter from your future self'. This is part of a practical list in Coach Yourself by Anthony Grant and Jane Greene. This letter helped me to focus on goals that matter for me in my professional as well as in my personal life. Listing what's important to you deep-down makes things tangible and helps going a step further in your life. Some improvements or changes already occurred in my case.

One of my private goals was to take more time for me and that's what I have done: I started taking Tai Chi & Qi gong lessons once a week. It's amazing to see how much serenity it brings to my life. Having this 'letter to your future self' next to you helps keeping those goals in mind. It gives you a direction and helps making Working Out Loud an habit.

Did you also join the WOL movement and can you recognize youself in this blog? Or would you like to join a circle? Feel free to contact me or to comment my blog! I would appreciate your feedback.

More information

Do you want to find out more about the WOL method? Get the book here http://workingoutloud.com and can access the free WOL guides directly by clicking here.