Hi folks,

Last week was intense as I led four days of training You get the insights through our TGIF: Trust – Gratitude – Inspiration – and Fun.

Trust

I’m trusting in the power of vulnerability. Yes, even at work.

I’m still on a “high” from the feedback of last week’s training groups. Folk shared how much they learned about themselves and how this stimulates them to change attitudes and behaviors. Wow!

It happened by creating an environment of trust which paved the way for authentic exchange over both strengths and weaknesses. Vulnerability was given and received.

People realized they are not imposters; they have strengths that are recognized and visible to others! They also learned that challenges present opportunities for learning. Bye, bye to “I’m a failure.” Hello to “I can grow.”

Here are some feedback highlights:

“I realized that I was not invisible. It was empowering to learn how my example of doing my job with dedication and a goal of excellence has inspired others.”

“I learned that I am already brave and strong.”

“I don’t just want money. I really want a LIFE.”

“I should stop telling myself that I’m not confident. I discovered this is not what people think when they meet me. It’s time for me to stop degrading myself.”

Gratitude

Thank you to my clients who trust me. It is a real privilege to be welcomed into their offices and given the opportunity to challenge employees out of their comfort zone…and to come out stronger together 😊!

Inspiration

One of this past week’s clients is an up-and-coming startup, WeMaintain, and their daring talent strategy inspires me.

They hire for potential…which can differ from past achievement.

We met the expert on Internet of Things who learned his skill by making connected skateboards as a hobby. A previous journalist joined them as a front-end coder. The list goes on.

The team overflows with mutual respect. Here is what they say about each other:

“I have such admiration for each person in this team who fully invests in the work and is ready to grow further together.”

“I feel a sense of fullness as I admire the richness of the team. We can go far together.”

Fun

During my trainings, I use scenarios to stimulate aha-moments of learning. The goal of one of these scenes is for participants to realize that they cannot change other people’s behavior. They can change their own…. which then will produce a different response from the other person.

We change first.

In one of last week’s training, the role play ended up being particularly hilarious. The principle I had hoped participants would grasp did not come through. ☹ And yet, the scene generated roaring laughter which woke us all up after lunch. 😊

To paraphrase the authors of Fail Fast, Fail Often (Ryan Babineaux, PhD and John Krumboltz, PhD),

Fail fast. Tweak often. Laugh as you learn.

Wishing you a great week.

A bientôt, Denise

Neat & New Stuff

Enjoy these posts inspired by my father’s wisdom:

“Aging isn’t for sissies!”

What’s YOUR Focus Word?

As life passes, one realizes time is…limited. That’s a focusing thought! Read on…

When It’s Urgent to Reflect

I wrote this post after a hearing a professor speak on leadership and reflexion at a Harvard Business School reunion. My father had encouraged me to attend the school and the place holds a soft spot for us. Read on…