In 1500 words or less, each post will give you something you can use TODAY to build yourself, your people and your organization whether your organization is a "for-profit" or a "not-for-profit."
My posts are about things that I know, things that I have seen, experienced, or situations where I helped people and organizations. This post is about a trauma that is common, many people have suffered through it in the past, some are experiencing it right now, and still, more will experience it in the future.
Yesterday I read a report on why a community garden was rejected by complaints from its neighbors. The comments had a profound impact on me. As an advocate for vulnerable people, I was dismayed, angry, and shocked that any group of Canadians could be so incredibly self-absorbed and uncaring. The more I thought about it, the more upset I became. Then I reread the complaints and I realized what might be the reasons.
Admitting fear makes someone vulnerable. Being vulnerable is not something that many people are willing to discuss.
To reveal the fears in your organization there must be a culture of non-judgment, open communication, and earned trust. If those three elements are in place, then by listening and watching it is possible to identify fears and the people who are suffering.
Looking at new ideas and concepts through the eyes of the fearful and the critical can better prepare organizations for unintended consequences. Taking this empathetic approach can reveal weaknesses and potentially fatal issues. This process is called RED TEAMING.
As a society, we have two responsibilities; the first is to illuminate period poverty so everyone can help to reduce the stigma that exists in schools, at home, and in work environments. Second, we can ensure that the supply of the right products in the right quantity is accessible to anyone who needs them.
“Always take the high road”. It is tempting to strike back when wronged. One of my favourite mentors uses the Klingon reference, “Revenge is a dish best served cold,” and she is right, but even better, leave revenge for karma to sort out.
Many of us have been there, we took the time to have a “kick-ass” resume, nailed the cover letter, had some great references, got an interview, and then got to the interview … and something happened, with the job in sight, just like an overconfident race car driver, we crashed in the final corner and didn’t get the job.
Want to know why? How to prevent it from happening again, or to help someone else?
Checkout this short guide …
Hiring the right person for any position is part craft and part science. You are dealing with experiences and trying to gauge potential. Reviewing these few points at the end of each interview with your co-interviewer can give you insights into the applicant that might just be enough to influence your decision on who to hire. They can make the difference between hiring someone who “could do the job” and hiring a person “who can excel at the job and grow with your organization”.
Everyone joins an organization with varying levels of skills and experience. The effective use of role-playing can generate incremental leaps in capabilities through fostering interactive learning between co-workers.
