OCTOBER 6, 2022
I have enjoyed reviewing Stephen Covey’s “The 8th Habit” which is “Find Your Voice, Then Inspire Others to Find Theirs.” Isn’t this what we are called to do as a parent, a disciple, a leader, a co-worker and a friend? We have talked in recent remarks about finding our own meaning and purpose in life. So, if you are interested in something good, practice it, share it, and ask questions from others to get better at having a voice that brings value to others. (You just might surprise yourself) While you are at it, don’t worry about being impressive. “You can’t please all of the people all of the time,” but you just might run into those real people who think and believe the same way you do. Learn from them as they may add growth and balance to your life, along with creating a new and deep relationship.
Once people are in their chosen career, I see way too many of them trying to be impressive by not being themselves. They would rather impress you with their words, rather than inspire you with their action. We all have passions and once we find ours (our voice) it is up to each one of us to GROW that passion. What is your passion? Is it working hard every day (I hope so) and coming home to the couch with a six pack of beer waiting for the next day to arrive? (That is insanity) Far too many of us are not energized by our work and tend to complain instead. “The 8th Habit” embodies an understanding of what your respective organization is trying to achieve and WHY. Do you know your organization’s WHY? Research and studies have found that only one in five workers are enthusiastic about their team and the organizations goals and mission. Don’t be the judge of your company’s mission. Seek to understand and make your decision to be part of something bigger than yourself as it will be a much better way of looking at your firm. Look for Godly principles rather than looking for the bad things. (The grass is not always greener on the other side) Maybe it is YOU that needs a new perspective. (Self-awareness)
Your Voice is your own perspective of your “unique personal significance.” We ALL want to be significant in life; in our faith, with our families, and at our work. Your voice lies in your:
- Talent (your natural gifts and strengths)
- Passion (Those things that naturally energize, excite, motivate, and inspire YOU)
- Need (We all need to work so make it FUN and enjoyable)
- Conscience (this is the small voice in each of us that assures you of what is right and that prompts us to actually do the work)
“When you are engaged in work that taps your talent and fuels your passion, that arises out a great need, the world that you feel drawn by conscience to meet, therein lies your voice, your calling, your soul’s code.” (“The 8th Habit”) WOW! Those are some inspiring statements about WHO we are and WHO we might be becoming. What are you doing at work to find your voice to inspire others. You might be impressive in how you look, how you speak, or how you carry yourself. But if you can’t do the job, that won’t really matter. (Don’t be an empty suit) Try encouraging and treating others with the respect they deserve as a human being and quit trying to impress those in power by kissing ass or following too close. That is an accident waiting to happen. When you speak to others, speak in kind and comforting words. You never know what they may be going through in their personal lives.
Want to be impressive? Model good behavior. Modeling inspires trust without expecting it and TRUST is very important if you want to inspire others. Create order without demanding it. A pushy demeanor will not win a lot of friends. Work together rather than against one another. Empower others and you just might inspire others to follow you. Those are the tenants of good leadership. Finally, there is no way of releasing human potential without that inner, “I care about you” and “I want you to succeed” attitude.
Are you impressive or are you inspirational. Your people are watching, so make it a good and genuine performance rather than just going through the motions. You might end up inspiring yourself to do MORE and be MORE of who God intended you to be in the first place. “Be Inspirational; NOT impressive.” Or in other words; “Don’t impress; Inspire.”
Elevator Guy
Quote for the Day; “Forget about being impressive and commit to being real. Because being real is impressive.” Jonathan Harnisch