PLANT THE SEEDS, AND DON’T FORGET TO WATER THEM

This week flew past and was nowhere near as productive as I wanted it to be, but somehow my cup is full. It was a week of back-to-back meetings with new folks across so many diverse backgrounds and industries. I personally learned so much and have lists of points to work on for days. For those reading… Thank you once again!

What I can share is that

🔹 I am not easily intimidated so initiating a conversation is probably easier for me than most. Generally, most people are open to connecting, especially if you have a shared interest or background and especially if you can offer some value to them in some form.

Action: Send that LinkedIn message. Attend that event. Join that group of like-minded folk. Make that call.

🔹 I approach each connection as a chance to learn and be curious. It’s always great to share my learnings, but by asking questions, listening, and finding out what makes folk tick really does help me grow as a person and as a leader.

Action: Make notes. Be relevant. And have a 1:1 say:do ratio for any promises made.

🔹 I really try to build relationships and not just contacts. A while back I learned to see myself as “investing” my time and not “spending” my time when getting to know a few people well.

Action: Share relevant articles. Ask how they are. Don’t be a stranger.

🔹 I battle with energy sappers as generally I give more than I take. In my line of work where I engage with so many guiding, leading, and offering advice, it’s been hard to learn to say “no”. WIIFM has often been put to one side and as advised this week, it really shouldn’t be the case.

Action: Offer support. Think of yourself. Clap for them until it’s your turn.

Keep planting seeds, and don’t forget to water. You never know which ones will grow if you never plant them in the first place.

Be real. Be brave. Be inspiring. Be kind. Always.