Kit Prendergast, PCC
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Tag Archives: Positive Psychology
Using “We” For Sense of Ownership
It’s such a simple word “We”. It’s easy to forget the emotional connection this simple word has the power to create.
Savvy leaders know this and they wisely use “we” in their communication with their functional and project teams. They know that this word shifts people’s mindset from an “I” or “me” mentality to a shared vision and commitment.
Suddenly, there is a sense of ownership. It’s subtle but the feeling is that we are in this all together – sink or swim – we are connected together and will all share in the success or failure of our efforts.
That’s very powerful. And it’s simply a shift in language. But it must be authentic. The leader must be genuine in their belief that the synergy of highly motivated and committed people is through a sense of ownership. As we know it truly “takes a village”.
Are You a “Go-To” Person?
What a great question! And if the answer is yes (and I hope it is) then the logical follow-up question is “What do people go to you for? You may never have thought about it. The answer may only be one word. For example, people tell me that they come to me for “energy” or “inspiration”. Maybe people come to you for your “wisdom” or for your “guidance” in challenging situations. Or maybe you are in the inside loop and are known for some unique “knowledge” or “expertise/experience”. It’s different for everyone and you may not even know for certain.
Your “Go-To” Reputation is Part of Your Brand
It’s a important question . . . what do others come to you for? I always ask this question when working with people around building their career performance and long-term success. And if they like the answer (which is very important) then we weave it into their personal and career brand so they own it – take control of it. It means that we are being seen as a resource – a valuable resource. We have something to offer relatively quickly and without a great deal of hassle. We are approachable, easy to get in contact with and can be trusted to listen and provide some help. Now that is a great reputation to have.
Remember! It doesn’t mean you have all the answers or that you’re going to take on all or even part of the work. In fact, it’s very important that you don’t see yourself in that role but rather that you have the contacts and the willingness to help connect others with resources. It means that you are a connector – a person in the know. That is an excellent reputation to have!
Learning from Sheila Leslie, Nevada State Senator
Just yesterday, I had the chance to listen to a wonderful member of the Nevada State Legislature, Sheila Leslie, State Senator, speak about her role in the legislature. In response to a question from the audience, Leslie shared how she mentors and advises newly elected legislators. And she knows what she’s talking about . . . Leslie has served Northern Nevada since 1998 first as a State Assemblywoman and now as a State Senator. She is very well-respected and best known for her expertise and experience in the health and human services.
So it was no surprise that Leslie’s advice to young legislators is to become a “go-to” person in an area you are interested in; you have some expertise and you are willing to help others. And that’s exactly what Leslie has done for years. Right out of graduate school, she served in the poorest areas of the Dominican Republic with the Peace Corp; started the first Food Bank in Nevada and worked for years establishing a network of child protective community services. Out of these personal experiences and passion, Leslie has become the valuable “go-to” person on these issues. This is her reputation and a very powerful influential brand. She’s an inspiration to all of us!
Shredding the BackPacks in Greece
We started off with six backpacks! Being super organizers, my twin sister, Diane and I had carefully planned out how to travel to Greece for a three week work assignment carrying various sized backpacks (including backpack purses). We were ready for any contingency, any emergency and any task.
But we didn’t need them and we didn’t miss them. We hadn’t even left home before we decided to leave the first two fancy North Face backpacks behind on the kitchen table. And then the two backpack purses (special “expensive” anti-theft bags) were swiftly stowed in the duffel bags as soon as we got to Greece. And we really didn’t need or want to carry two of the light weight Eddie Bauer backpacks because everything could easily fit in one. So we just carried one between the two of us. It was wonderfully simple.
And I had to laugh . . . on the last night in Athens we shred even that last backpack. Cargo pants with pockets and a passport holder around the neck was everything we needed. Of course, we had spent all our euros helping the Greek economy so the money envelope was pretty light!
Lighten Your Load
So what did I learn? I don’t need all that stuff. We don’t need all that stuff. Be willing to shred the extra baggage and lighten your load. And it actually clears your mind and gives you a feeling of space that feels really good. So go on ahead and simplify your life load. Your back will thank you!
It’s All So Complicated!
I’m actually a very patient person. And I’m bright, fairly tech savvy, can make time and have resources available to me. It’s just that everything in today’s world is so complicated. These last few weeks have pushed my patience and good humor to the edge. Here’s my story . . .
I leave in a couple of days for a three week Global Volunteers work assignment in Greece. I’ll be gone from the office a full month so there are lots of projects to be taken care of both here at the office, at home and in my community work. But since I’ve lived overseas and travel quite a bit it shouldn’t be hard. Or is it?
Passwords, Passwords & More Passwords
If you have oodles of time and enjoy the thrill of the chase to solve just one problem per day then tackling the banking industry; the health care system; the mobile phone network or the Greek ferry system will provide hours of entertainment. But I don’t have that time and energy – and I don’t have a secretary (as I remind my 94 year old attorney Dad with his own secretary).
And everything needs a password, a log-in and then a host of “security questions”. The funniest was this past weekend when I had to answer a series of “multiple choice” questions from three different banking people asking the most obscure questions – no longer your favorite color or mother’s maiden name.
So here’s what I’ve learned in this entire process.
- First., punch “0” over and over to try and connect with a live person. Forget trying to go through the prompts hoping to find one that matches what you’re looking for – it’s just not going to happen.
- Second, try my sister’s trick which is to simply plead ignorance and say that you don’t use/own a computer and therefore can’t do these transactions on-line yourself. The live person will usually say “No problem, I’ll do it for you”. Works beautifully.
- Third, when you’ve reached the end of your patience, as I did with getting two sets of instructions from my mobile phone carrier, turn the task over to someone who still has the strength to persevere – hubby, Wally, retired Marine who loves a good challenge. I found myself saying to the young phone salesperson “Are you telling me that this IPhone which is “smart” enough to make spaghetti sauce can’t be used anyplace in Europe”. Yep, that’s what she was saying ’cause Greece is a GM Country – now what does that mean?
- And finally, keep your sense of humor and expectations very, very low. Don’t expect to get an answer to your question the first time around but rather you will be referred on and on and on. Someday you may get an answer if you still remember or care about the question.
“Leaving on a Jet Plane . . . “
Sharing my story with you has given me some wonderful perspective. So I think I might just go on down to the Reno airport two days early, order a glass of wine and settle back with a good book. If you want to call me on my fancy new “loaner” IPhone that I won’t know how to work – please try. Just don’t ask me for a password!
Job Interviews: What To Do After
With a delicious sense of accomplishment, you leave the interview ready to celebrate making it through yet-another interview. It’s been exciting but also exhausting. And you’re ready to meet some friends for a glass of wine and tell them the story of how the interview went – especially if it’s for a position you really want.
But wait . . . there’s one more step to take. And that’s a short “performance-based” followup email and a handwritten thank you note. Sounds like a lot of work when you’re emotionally you’re ready to relax? Well, this extra step can (and often does) make the difference in how you are remembered and considered for the position.
Your Follow-Up Email Reinforces Impression
First, send a short email to the individual (or individuals) that interviewed you expressing your appreciation for the interview and covering these three points:
- Your understanding of the needs of the organization/priorities
- How you can bring unique value to the organization/ie. meet those needs
- Your confidence that you would be a good fit for the position & organization
And then don’t forget to express your interest in being hired. Amazing how many people never say that either in the interview or in the follow-up written correspondence. If you want the job, tell them!
Your Handwritten Note – Icing on the Cake
Second, sit down and write a short, short thank you note on a nice card saying simply thank you for the interview, you feel you would be a good fit and you’re looking forward to hearing from them soon. Just like our mothers used to make us do . . . it’s a habit that sets you apart from the pack. And that thank you note always brings a smile because so few people take the time to say a personal thanks.
And . . . think of this. If they offer the position to someone else who then turns it down (happens all the time) and they are looking at an alternate and they see your note sitting on their desk . . . we always want to stay in front of the decision makers continuing to build a positive relationship. Try it!