Finding Your Voice

Have you heard this phrase? ....finding your voice...

It's often associated with writing. It's intended to make the connection between what you think and believe as a person, and your ability to express those thoughts and beliefs in a blog post, article, or book. It can also apply to speaking as well. 

Have you found your voice?

Step One: Who Are You

I think the most overlooked part of the "voice" strategy is stopping to define who we really are as people. It doesn't matter if we are in formal leadership roles or not; but for those of us who lead others it is a requirement.

Yes, requirement.

What is important to us?

What do we stand for?

What is so reprehensible that we will immediately address it regardless of the situation?

What do we want to achieve in our lives?

Who is most important to us?

How do we think about work?

What role do employees play in our prioritization process?

How comfortable are we taking risks?

There are many more questions, but without answers to these questions at the outset, it will be impossible to define "who you are" and thus express your voice.

Step Two: Start

Fear is a terrible demon in the world of leadership. Fear stops us from doing the right thing. It stops us from holding people accountable. It forces us to give people one more chance (for the 10th time) simply because we do not have what it takes to lead effectively.

Fear destroys.

However, once you begin on your path of expressing your voice something very powerful happens. Fear disappears. It's as if you have taken control of your entire world. You now make the decisions, and take risks, and hold people accountable. 

The anxiety about political repercussions no longer matter. Why? Because the other weak leaders around you are watching real leadership in action, and they simply can not challenge it.

Your voice does all of these things.

How About You

Today is a good day to answer the questions outlined above. Tomorrow is shaping up to be the perfect day to start expressing your voice. Don't you think?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses. 

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Creeping Death

Some people are not afraid to try new things...to "go for it" both in their work and personal lives. They are the ones everyone else typically watches in wonder as they make bold moves, take risks...and shockingly...make a difference.

I'm Too Busy To Try New Things
How many times have you heard the word "busy" in the last week? Heck, how many times have I said it? Answer --> too many! Effective immediately, let's drop that word from our vocabulary. "Busy" becomes our crutch...and that instills a negative mindset for us all.

Too often we allow ourselves, our colleagues, and our corporate cultures to become complacent. We accept work, and effort, and ideas that used to be pretty good. But in reality they simply are no longer effective or current. 

A creeping culture death moves into our world. We may not even realize that it is happening until we see someone else making a difference. Then we wonder....why am I still stuck in this place? 

Stop living in the past...it's time for something more.

Life is about being great. Are you with me?

I'm Scared To Look Dumb If I Try New Things
I'm going to let you in on a little secret. No one looks dumb trying new things. No one looks foolish putting forth effort. The truth is that those that are too scared to try are secretly jealous of those that step up and go for it.

You can go for it too.

Challenge yourself, and those around you to fight the creeping death. Consider the team of people around you each day. All of that experience, energy, and commitment is not being fully realized. You have an opportunity to inspire them to elevate their game. 

How About You
It's time to find your voice. Speak out, and do not allow the creeping death to find a home in your organization. You are the one that will make the difference. That's why you're there.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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Finding Your Social Voice

One of the questions that comes up frequently when I’m discussing the power of social media and its direct application to modern HR practice is about voice. So many new users of social tools worry about how they will “sound” to those listening on the interwebs that they often don’t find the courage to jump in and start exploring how to use the various tools like twitter, LinkedIn and facebook (at least facebook in a professional context.)

Pretending Isn’t Real

The more time I spend connecting with colleagues from around the world, the more I realize the only way to be effective when going social is to avoid trying to be someone, or something, I’m not. All too often I hear HR pros use fancy words at work trying to sound important, or smart, or…well…something. I’ve done that too.

I usually come off sounding like I’m trying to be Mr. Holier-Than-Thou-Guy. That’s pretty lame. I hate being lame.

Real Is Real

As I spend more time incorporating social into my professional life, I now realize that the person I’m supposed to sound like is me. What a breakthrough! Talk about an obvious realization.

I’m almost embarrassed to say it out loud, but it’s true. When we go social, we need to be genuine, candid, honest, and real. We need to be ourselves.

How About You

Who do you pretend to be when you’re going social? I hope you’re not pretending to be anyone. I want to get to know the real you, and so does everyone else. Don’t be afraid to be anyone but yourself. Sound good?

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



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