Listening Impact

There were some lovely gems from the cadre of leaders that are worthwhile to share.  The responses didn’t fit into any of the three questions asked, but they add insight from the people who took a few minutes to be with us.

Before we get to those gems, following are some answers to queries about the group’s average age, gender, geography, kind of jobs, how I know these folks.

• While I don’t know everyone’s age, I’d say the range is early 40’s to mid 60’s and the average somewhere in the 50’s.
• Seven males and four females.
• European and North American by current location, although most of the group has worked or resided in every continent (well, not sure about Antarctica) during the span of their career.
• Their current job titles are listed with their names, but I’d venture to say there’s hardly an organizational job that hasn’t been held within the group.
• I know each person well enough through coaching, collaboration or referrals, to be confident that these are the right leaders to interview about personal development.

The gems:

• Oh, and I like myself better too.

• The more I work on myself the more positive the atmosphere around me.

• I went on a retreat, no phones, computers, music—you get it, no technology. I nearly bailed, but I’m so glad I stuck it out. For the first time in my adult life I looked inward, didn’t necessarily like the future I saw, and resolved to be a much more compassionate person and conscious, caring leader.

• Listening to other’s views whether they are colleagues, customers or family members is often missed.

• This work opens up new doors—everywhere.

• When I retired (the first time), I heard over and over, “You are the best boss I ever had.” I know that’s true because when I moved from job-to-job some people came with me and others asked if they could.

• My job security comes from the success of others.

• Every time I’m in a new role I have to do more to adjust my style to others than to expect them to adjust to me.

• My son, just one year out of college, is in a management program and they’re starting him on this journey.  He’s so fortunate.

• I never thought that awakening could happen in the workplace—it has.

• For twenty-five years I’d say I was committed to the job.  I still am, but this year, 2012, the focus is on me.

• Everyone should live and work in another country some time in their careers. I can’t even begin to tell you all the things I learned, but a big one is that my job was to translate centralized organizational decisions to the local customs. Some goals from corporate cannot/should not be applied locally.  Try to sell that upstream—that takes skilled leadership!

• Don’t turn away from the gifts that are presented to you.