"I'm not good enough.”
"I can't do that."
"No matter how hard I try, I will never be picked."
"There is no point trying, because we know who is going to ..."
Where have we heard the words above? Have you said them yourself? As a child? As an adult?
These are the words of several students and staff working in schools, both at the primary and secondary level. These negative words have impacted many into their adult life and affected them, as they carry out their roles at work.
Businesses should be a place of empowerment, but for many, especially with all of the accountably measures with KPI’s that have to be reached, they have become a place of disempowerment; even for senior leaders with decades of experience, working in specialised sectors.
Eighteen months ago, I met some new colleagues as I attended training courses to gain new skills for my business. As we spoke, they saw what I was able to become, but I could not see the picture they saw of my future. Why?
The voices in my head told me:
"I'm not good enough."
"I can't do that."
Fast forward eighteen months and the language that I am surrounded with, is so much different from what is the norm in working in an educational setting.
As I attend business events, I hear words such as:
"Be prepared to embrace new opportunities."
"What can I do to help you?"
"Look at how much you have grown. You are more confident now."
"If you had to describe yourself in no more than two words, what would they be?"
I replied to the latter question “A trailblazer."
“What would be your reply to the latter question? What would be your two words?”
In the past, like many, I would have said, "A teacher." You too have probably answered with what you do as your role. You are more than your role!!
Your role should not define you. Your personal vision and life goals should define you. For many, that will take a shift in thinking, as it is not the normal way that we view our role and status in life.
What has caused a shift in the vocabulary I now use? The environment. Simple but yet profound.
What would happen if we changed the environment that employees have to work in? Would a similar shift take place? Would employees feel more valuable and empowered to make critical decisions? Would they use the words "I can" more? Instead of "I can't" or "Can I"
On Wednesday 17th May, the first day of the Business Show is taking place at Excel. This is an bi-annual event with over 20,000 people attending over the two days. Different companies will be exhibiting, and seminars on various topics will be taking place. Listening To Your Voice, will be exhibiting and Ruth Pearson, its founder, will be speaking at this show in Seminar room 10, from 11:45-12:15 on Wednesday.
The topic, ' Say Yes To New Opportunities Through Networking.'
This is what the colleagues I met 18 months, saw was possible for me to achieve. They believed in me, before I believed in myself.
From today, let us change our vocabulary to use words that empowers others, instead of disempower.
Let us show others that they are valuable and appreciated.
Let us help others achieve their goals. Remember, Together Everyone Achieves More.
If we all did this, within a short period of time, we could change our business culture.
Why not go and show someone you value their work today?
Let me know the impact that it had on you, but also on your colleagues.
Ruth Pearson
Transformational Wellbeing Coach
