It's a shock--and while we hate to admit it, this could go on for quite some time.<\/p>\n
So, what can you do to increase the odds of being happy and productive while working and living in a confined space? Well, let's latch onto that word:\"space.\"<\/p>\n
Becausethere's a federal agency that's spent a lot of time studying how a certain group of people can remain happy and productive for long periods of time--all while confined to small spaces.<\/p>\n
We call that certain group ofpeople \"astronauts.\" And, it's critical for NASA to put them in the best position to succeed--especially over the past 20 years, as we've had astronauts routinely spend six months or more at the International Space Station.<\/p>\n
The agency now touts five skills and behaviors that it trains its astronauts to adopt.<\/p>\n
I heard about these first from a Twitter post by astronaut Anne McClain, who was on the space station in 2018 and 2019. (The full thread is at the end of this article.)<\/p>\n
Drawing on the work of NASA psychologist Dr. Al Holland and retired astronaut Peggy Whitson, here are the NASA \"Expeditionary Behaviors,\" as summarized by McClain.<\/p>\n
Skill 1: Communication<\/p>\n
The definition here, according to part of what McClain wrote, is to talk so you are understood, and listen actively so that you understand. That means picking up on non-verbal cues, and looking out for areas where you need to resolve conflict.<\/p>\n
It also means sharing information, talking about your intentions, andadmitting when you're wrong.<\/p>\n
Skill 2: Leadership and Followership<\/p>\n
Here, we're talking about how quickly a team can adapt to new situations. Trust is key between the group's leader and other team members.<\/p>\n
How do you achieve that trust? First, you accept responsibility, adjust your style to the environment, and assign tasks and set goals. Then, there's a lot of emphasis on giving direction, feedback, and encouragement.<\/p>\n
Skill 3: Self-Care<\/p>\n
Oh, this one is right on the nose. NASA believes that your psychological and physical health, \"including hygiene, managing time and personal stuff, getting sleep, and maintaining mood\" has a direct impact on astronauts' output.<\/p>\n
This means assess your strengths and weaknesses, and how you work within your larger group. Also:\"Be social. Seek feedback. Balance work, rest, and personal time,\" McClain writes. \"Be organized.\"<\/p>\n
Skill 4: Team Care<\/p>\n
This is related to Skill #3 of course, but it's more about how each team member's psychological and physical health affects everyone else.<\/p>\n
NASA's advice: \"Demonstrate patience and respect. Encourage others. Monitor team for signs of stress or fatigue,\" McClain writes, and \"Encourage participation in team activities ... Share the credit; take the blame.\"<\/p>\n
Skill 5: Group Living<\/p>\n
This final skill perhaps applies more to how you're getting along with family (or roommates) while working from home, as opposed to your business team. But it's important.<\/p>\n
The advice: \"Cooperate rather than compete,\" McClain writes. \"Actively cultivate group culture. ... Take accountability, give praise freely. Work to ensure positive team attitude. Keep calm in conflict.\"<\/p>\n
Here's McClain's original thread. Let us know what you think in the comments.<\/p>\n
Published on: Mar 23, 2020<\/p>\n
The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.<\/p>\n
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\nSuddenly Stuck at Home? After 20 Years at the Space Station, NASA Teaches These 5 Success Behaviors to Stay Positive and Be Productive in Small Spaces...<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"