I had a chance to do an introduction of myself as a representative of the St Albert Mediation Office at the Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting this morning. I used my new line.
“Giving people the courage to make a change and the confidence to make a difference.”
The giving part is iffy. I don’t really give anyone anything. I help them look for the power to change inside of themselves, in their own history and in their own values. I did that today too. I listened and asked questions today. I was the consumer instead of the sales person and I learned a lot as we did the speed networking. There are wonderful people running businesses in St Albert and I am happy to be in their company.
“What is the best experience you have had doing what you do?” That was my question. The answers were thoughtful and thought-provoking and I felt honoured to hear honest, heartfelt and “off script” responses. People come prepared to talk about their businesses but not necessarily their own experiences within it. It was great.
“What’s one thing you would change about what you do?” That was my second question. Some interesting takes on how to improve things. My final challenge to them … “What one thing could you do this week to make things better for you?” This one usually invokes a quizzical look that says “I have the power to change things???” Really? … hmmmmm, let me think…”
As we move in to SOAR (Season of Added Responsibility), I know you will be chatting with people at Christmas Parties and family gatherings. Add theses three little questions to your conversations starters. You will be amazed. Everybody has a story. Some of them could break your heart. Others will lift it to new heights. These questions let people identify for themselves what brings them joy, what they value and what is within their power to change. Just asking the question makes a difference.
“What is the best experience you have had doing what you do?”
“What’s one thing you would change about what you do?”
“What one thing could you do this week to make things better for you?”
Merry Christmas
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