Everything we do creates a ripple. And yet, we often wonder if our efforts bring about any difference in the world. While the answer is always yes, the more important question to answer is, "What is that difference?" or better, "What difference do we want to make?" One of the reasons I refer to my coaching as integrative is that I believe strongly that tapping into our whole selves is the best way to bring all of our gifts forward.
In that spirit, here is my story about how I came to understand the difference I wanted to make (for my clients and in the world) and why it's so important that we are intentional about the impact we seek to have.
As leaders, one of our key duties is to bring out the best in each member of our team. If you are concerned about performance, there are ways to structure conversations that demonstrate not just your concern about how someone is showing up and delivering (or not) but also that you see people, you care about them, and that you are a resource for their development.
Do you know the difference between being valuable versus invaluable? Understanding how – and why – they are not at all the same thing is the key to making better choices, choosing the roles/positions where we thrive, and ultimately creating a more fulfilling and joyful life.
Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, even the very individuals that provide you with guidance. In this latest Forbes article, I joined 15 other coaches to share some of what we wished we knew when we started down this career path.
We inherited this world from those that came before us. Although it’s not perfect, we sometimes take for granted the work and investment made by individuals who likely never saw the fruits of their labor. Similarly, we’re faced with the ever-present challenge of meeting the current moment, all the while carrying the sacred responsibility of building for those that will come after us. The overarching question, then, that I continue to ask myself, and that I encourage the leader in all of us to pose is: “If not now when? If not me, who?” (Hillel)
In early March 2020, I had a chance to sit down with my friend, Deborah Burns, author of the memoir Saturday’s Child, to discuss why obstacles are necessary in narration – and in life! We unpacked some great insights, including the fact that without stressors we don’t evolve, and that overcoming challenges confers not only knowledge but confidence. I invite you to listen to our conversation and hope that you’ll be inspired to climb some of the figurative (and literal) mountains you encounter.
I had a great time speaking with Pauline Brown, host of Tastemakers, and Maryam Banikarim, former Chief Marketing Officer for Hyatt Hotels, about reinvention, identity and core values. They both have such rich and fascinating backgrounds as corporate executives, and it was a treat to bring my own experience and perspective to a conversation that touched on careers (especially those that span decades and chapters in our lives), family, priorities and evolving notions of success.
In times like this, we can become frustrated by an overwhelming feeling of helplessness. We want to act and make a difference but aren’t sure how. Finding ways to give not just money or things, but of ourselves can be one of the most empowering acts we can take. In this way, YOU become the contribution - demonstrating how valuable your unique attributes, ideas, and experiences can be in supporting others. Most importantly, it unifies us in the notion that each and every one of us has something powerful to give. Ourselves!
It’s business as UN-usual.
We’ve stopped in our tracks and are being asked to work and live in new ways. So, why not explore the unexplored? Step away from the unending flow of news and commentary except for high-quality information from trusted sources, and even then, only check in once or twice a day. Use this time to let your curiosity take you where you haven’t had the time to go. This is an opportunity to broaden your possibilities and nurture ideas that have been shelved for way too long or have yet to surface.
Joanne Heyman is internationally recognized as a thought leader, innovator and key advisor within the pro-social sector. She is a highly sought-after coach, strategic advisor, lecturer, and facilitator. To engage her as a speaker or contributor to collective discourse, contact her team at info@heymanpartners.com.
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