Finesse and Power Tasks | Health

Photo credit: Julian Schiemann via Unsplash

Life is a series of tasks that can require power and finesse. In your life, where do you use finesse and power?

I used to play racquetball weekly with a buddy, Nigel. He would hit the ball hard, and then hit the ball soft. It was hard to chase the ball to the front of the court and quickly to the back of the court. I was wiped out after each game. I graciously said thank you and high-fived as I took my loss and walked out of the court. After we played for a few weeks, I asked: “What is going on here? I just can’t win this game.” Nigel said, “Finesse and power.” 

Do you ever feel like you are running in place or not using your energy effectively?

Can you “step on a court” (or into a challenging situation), do your best, and still have fun even if you don’t win? We sometimes need to change our approach from power to finesse in an instant. This ability will show adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a better capability to bring out the best in those around us. Sometimes we can pause and decide: Do we use power or finesse? I had a boss at a YMCA that discussed goading a donkey with a carrot or a stick. This is another good thing to think about as you try to navigate in a world of social media, real life conversations, and written communications. Ask before you communicate, is this a power or finesse kind of situation? For example, before you post your reply on social media, ask yourself a few questions: Is this helpful, Is this relevant, How might others perceive this? Then if you think you are adding to the conversation go ahead and post it. All too often people try to make bold statements on social media that they might not actually say in real life. Using a little finesse can help blend the world of real life and online life.

Pause to assess what it means to you and what type of communication you are trying to get across? Think about what will make your message most memorable for those who you are trying to reach. Is it finesse or is it power? Use your assessment skills to determine what you can bring to the situation to make it better.

For the month ahead, what can you do to build finesse into your power activities and vice versa? These shifts can give a new perspective on how to approach a project and help you determine where you can help others gain a different point of view. It can take emotional intelligence to practice your skills to be adaptable and flexible.