Is everyone’s opinion and voice being heard?
Interesting thing happened this week. I was invited by a teacher to visit with her class on how I got started writing a blog. I shared my reasons to write, my purpose, and life experiences that put me on this track in life. They appeared to be interested and I was even asked by a student if I would write a book about him. Cody let us just see about that! It was a lot of fun sharing my process, even though I am no expert. I appreciated their questions, as they were very thought provoking. I have noticed our students have very good ideas. These kids are wise, and it got me thinking, are we listening to them and others in our organizations? Is everyone being heard?
If we are truly listening to all voices, we must create opportunities for others to share their ideas and opinions. This process gives people purpose in the organization and they feel they are part of the team. Our school district has given our Student Council members a seat at the school board meetings for them to share current activities the student body is engaging in. We send out surveys to inquire on some of our school processes we offer students. We have informal conversations with our Senior students during their Senior trip to understand their experience in our schools. All the individuals in an organization must feel that their ideas and experiences are being acknowledged. We then take this information to improve the quality of the experiences our people receive in our organizations.
The students and I discussed blog writing, and their assignments I think were to create their own blogs. I shared that we all have a voice and a message we want to share. Our message is weaved into our life experiences, both good and bad. These experiences make us who we are, and if we take this message and share it with others, we are intending to help our readers in some form or fashion. Our message must be positive and impact people’s lives in a way that helps them deal with life’s issues. I, for one cannot wait to read the blog posts of the students I met with. They all have voices to express ideas, personal endeavors they are passionate about, and a life’s mission that brings them purpose. These gifts will benefit others!
What opportunities to you offer the people in your organization to share out their ideas?
What message would you share that brings value to others?
Are you listening to the people around you, and what valuable message are they sharing?
I hope this post makes you think about your message or life’s purpose. Is it a positive message to help others, or bring value to someone? Remember we all have a voice to share. We can make this world better with what we put into it. Thanks for checking out my post and I hope you leave a comment below. Have a great week!
Steven C. Bucks-Leading Conversations
