How are you bringing value to others?
Some people have the gift of positively impacting the life of so many. Teachers are those type of people. They are always willing to help their students be successful. As I pondered this thought, it reminded me of something a friend told me. This friend wanted to bring value to others, and they already do that. It also reminds me of all the self-help books I enjoy. As I reflected on myself, I was able to recall times where I thought I helped someone with a predicament of some kind. One of my big goals is to foster this idea of helping people and taking my career in that direction. The question is, how? What is my first step, or direction?
We all wish to help others in some way. To bring value to an individual and make them feel appreciated is so important. In our leadership roles we are always asked to lead and have a plan or vision for those we lead. I have news for everyone. We do not always have the right answers! A case in point, I have meetings from time to time where teachers ask for help with a student for various reasons. If I had the magic bullet that could help or fix some of these situations, I could write books and retire from the education field. I see it as a process we must engage in and collectively find the answers to our problems. That takes trust and trust is hard to come by.
We are unable to help people if we are not trusted by them and if they are unwilling to make some changes. To make an impact on the life of our people, we too must show vulnerability. Sometimes we struggle admitting we don’t have answers or even the ability to fulfill our needs. I will fully admit there are times when I struggle with this. It reminded me of the time when an instructor of mine asked me how I felt about being a school administrator one day. I told him it scared me to death and all he said was, then you are ready to be an administrator. He went on to tell me that you cannot go into this position thinking you know everything. This is a sure way of getting you into trouble, like when your people choose not to trust you.
How are you building trust among your people?
Are you willing to show your vulnerability?
What steps are you taking to add value to those around you?
I am sure I sound like a broken record always talking about value, purpose, and personal growth, but it is who I am. These topics I share each week are part of my inner core. I can talk for hours with people all about growth and the need to achieve and fulfilling one’s purpose. This week I kind of rambled about, kicking this idea around in my head. I hope this post gave you some ideas to work through this week. Have a wonderful week and I hope to hear from you in the comments section.
Steven C. Bucks-Leading Conversations
