Often I am amazed how simple it is to affect someone else’s life, in a good way or a bad way!
I strive to be a good person, whatever that means, and do things I think are fair, and, for the right reasons.
I don’t really know how much impact that has on the people I meet, as, sometimes, I never get to see them again.
My job, as a training consultant, is to go into organisations and deliver material that has an impact for the delegates / organisation.
The impact can be one of many things such as:
- Raise awareness of current behaviours – Identify those that add value and those that don’t
- Understand how to get the best from different types of people – by modifying communication styles
- Develop strengths and, possible, areas of weakness – take action to be even better
- Controlling attitudes and become more positive – we all experience negative things so being able to deal with them in a positive way, makes a difference
The reason I chose this career is because I like to help others and, when that ‘light bulb moment’ happens, I have succeeded, feel rewarded and sleep with a smile on my face. One conversation can change a person’s perspective to do something different, that can change the course of life. How great is that?
What conversations do you have and what impact do they have – good or bad?
A friend of mine has spent the last 7 years supporting soldiers that have been injured in Afghanistan. As you can imagine, this has been quite a challenge, very rewarding but also emotionally draining. The impact she has had on people’s lives, over the years, has been astronomical and I am sure the results have spoken for themselves. Not only by helping them with their physical rehabilitation but also by having conversations that challenged their mental ‘roller coaster’ ride back to health.
Sometimes it is easy to forget to do the right things, to pay attention to others and make a positive impact. Work and life can get on top of us and there never seems to be enough time to look beyond ourselves.
Taking time out to listen to others, engage in a conversation and be really curious about someone else, requires effort.
But…it can be life changing
Are you having great conversations (at work and at home)?
Do you make a positive impact to the people around you?
Why not give it a go this week? See what impact you can have with someone you don’t normally bother with!