Let's Get Personal

Alright, let's kick this off by getting personal. Who are we, you might wonder? Why are we doing what we're doing? What values drive us in providing the services we do? Now, you might be thinking, "Why are we diving into values when we're talking about selling?" Well, here's the scoop. I'm currently knee-deep in a course on the neuroscience of coaching, and don't let the fancy title scare you off. In one section, we explored values and life purpose, and let me tell you, it shook up some of my old beliefs and thoughts about myself and my work. Most importantly, it made me question why I do what I do.

You see, much of my life has been spent either doing what I was told to do or what seemed 'right' – at least according to the so-called 'experts' in my life. You know those folks who think they know you better than you know yourself and always have advice to offer. This pattern even extends to communication. Here's a little anecdote that's both funny and a tad sad. Back when I joined a big-shot pharmaceutical company, I had to make a presentation to the top brass. My boss at the time decided to give me a crash course in presenting. Now, let me give you some context – I grew up in New York City, where using your hands and gestures was as crucial as breathing. But during this crucial presentation, my boss advised me to keep my hands in my pockets and jingle some coins. It left me dumbfounded. However, since I was a newbie in a new environment, speaking to the corporate elite, I went along with it. The result? It was a disaster. Why? Because it wasn't me speaking; it was some fake version of me molded by an authority figure. It took me years to realize what was happening, and that's where values come into play.

Now, let me ask you this: do you want to be heard and truly listened to when you speak with others? Well, most of the time, right? We have to remember that others might have a lot on their minds, so we might not always be the top priority. But here's the kicker: in my opinion (remember, these blogs are all about my thoughts and experiences), the most crucial part of communication is being authentic, being yourself. Your values and your purpose are the keys here. For me, using my whole self, including those expressive hand gestures, aligns with my values. Consistency is the name of the game; otherwise, you're just putting on a show, and people can spot that a mile away. But here's the catch – we all have an inner 'saboteur,' a 'judge,' or what I like to call the 'sh**y committee.' They tell us what we should do, or worse, what we must do. They warn us that if we say this or that, it'll be the end of the world. You know the drill. It's up to us to acknowledge and have a little chat with that inner critic.

So, being true to who you are starts from within, and let's face it; it's not always a walk in the park.

Here's a challenge for you: Before you dive into something significant, like giving a presentation, pause for a moment. What kind of conversation do you have with yourself? Do you hear different 'voices' or perspectives within yourself? Have you ever responded to them?

Stay tuned for the next blog, where we'll keep the conversation going and explore authentic communication and self-discovery even further.