It’s been almost a week since I left the National Speakers Association annual meeting in Orlando and I am still full of energy with all I learned. This event happens just once a year and it’s where I go to recharge professionally. Regardless of my business needs, many NSA members have had similar experiences and are willing to share their struggles, their solutions, and their successes. If I am having a stuck moment with a coaching client, I have resources. If I need a new video, I have resources, and if I want to add technology or music to a program, my goodness, these folks know how!
Through the 25 years I have been a member, these friends have become my work buddies, my friends in different cities, and my dear colleagues as an entrepreneur. They pour into me and give me inspiration.
What do you do to recharge your professional batteries?
I recently came across a list of amazing quotes by acclaimed American poet, storyteller, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou. Since I often write blogs discussing the importance of gratitude and mindset in our personal and professional lives, I found it to be a treasure trove of inspiration. I will be highlighting a few of my favorite quotes in the months ahead, and I encourage you to share with me the philosophies and quotes that guide your life.
“Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.”
We can never fully know the experiences of others. Obviously we would like the benefit of the doubt when we are having a hard day, so offer the same to those you come across – whether it’s a cranky barista, rude driver, snippy co-worker, or inattentive family member.
Can you think of a time when you were able to turn someone’s day around? Or a time when someone was the rainbow in your cloud?
This article is one in a series discussing the importance of gratitude in our personal and professional lives, the benefits of routinely recognizing the good things in our lives, appreciating others who have helped us, practicing gratitude, saying thank you, trying a complaint-free day, taking a gratitude walk, improving attitude, handling difficult situations, and recognizing fresh starts.
Many times I run across articles, Ted Talks or quotes that are far better than anything I could ever write. I wrote about mansplaining in 2021, but I haven’t had Paula Stone Williams’ experience and oh, is she eloquent!
I wrote the blog about mansplaining when it happened to me. One day, Simon, a senior leader I consult with, and I were in a video chat and he started reviewing a report, talking non-stop without even noticing that I wasn’t responding. I waved, I stood up, I even started cleaning my entire desk area, but he just kept talking without taking a breath or asking a question.
Simon was very proud of his report, yet it felt like he was performing, rather than the two of us having a meeting about the findings. After 43 minutes of Simon talking and me not responding, he finally noticed that his earbud was not working and he couldn’t hear me.
Simon really got caught up in the moment and started mansplaining without even realizing it. And that’s why it’s important to be aware of power dynamics in conversations and to approach every interaction with openness and curiosity.
Creating a culture of respect and collaboration is key to avoiding mansplaining and achieving better performance management. By creating a culture of open communication and feedback, you can foster an environment where everyone feels heard and valued, regardless of their gender or position within the organization.
