Last week’s Thought for the Week was “Shoot for the Moon” and the difference between a milestone goal one that is a ‘bright shiny goal’ that lights you up with excitement!
[You can find all previous posts here in my blog]
Over the past week, I ran two training programmes; “Coaching for Managers” and “Effective Influencing Skills”.
When I deliver programmes, I often share my story about how I came to be doing what I do. And this is because of the influence of one incredible leader I had.
Carolyne was my manager when I was Duty Manager in the lost baggage department in British Airways. Can you imagine? I rarely met a happy customer!
This was 27 years ago and I had a fear of public speaking back then. Each time I had to do a presentation, I became a wound-up wreck!
One day, Carolyne asked to see me about a job opportunity in the BA Training Department! I was shocked!
For a moment, I thought she had lost the plot because she knew how I felt about presentations, let alone training groups of people!
We talked about it and she explained that it’s because she saw my potential and that I was much better at presenting and positively influencing others than I thought. She explained why she believed in me.
So, because of this, I took the plunge, I went for it and was successful. On Day 1 in my new role, I did wonder what I had done though!
But my new boss asked me to design a new Stress Management Programme for the airline. Because I was training to be a Counsellor, this was a great place to start because it was in my comfort zone.
And I haven’t looked back!
If it hadn’t been for Carolyne believing in me and influencing me that day, I wouldn’t have found my vocation.
She moved on after that and I haven’t been able to track her down to thank her. (We didn’t have LinkedIn or Facebook back then and she may have changed her surname since).
It really hit me how one person and one conversation can be life-changing to someone.
So, that’s why I tell people about this because we may never know just how much impact we have on people in our day-to-day interactions and how we communicate with others.
Think back to who has had a great influence on your life.
You don’t have to be a ‘person of influence’ to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life are probably not even aware of the things they’ve taught me. -Scott Adams-
[An American cartoonist who captured the malaise of the
modern workplace in his comic strip ‘Dilbert’]
As always, I will leave you with that thought!
I would also like to invite you to book a Complimentary Consultation with me, where you can explore your goal and vision.
With best wishes.
Korinne
P.S. Ask me about the next Communication Code Group Programme
P.P.S. What do you have to lose by booking that Complimentary Consultation with me?