Working within
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
In business we talk a lot about about externals, outside measurements, deliverables and objectives. Yet, today I feel the need to address the often ignored, but, integral part of business – YOU. At the end of the day, business is still done by people. Yes, technology has greatly improved our processes, but 99% of the time, it’s humans that do business. Yet, how well do we really know ourselves, trust ourselves, give ourselves permission to act on our intuition in our day to day business activities?
I remember seeing Lisa Nicholas speak at a conference and saying, in only the way she can, “you best get to know yourself, because no matter where you go….YOU’RE coming along”. This struck me as incredibly profound, because when I thought about the major challenges I encountered in business, they weren’t about business at all. They were about humans. Crossed boundaries, abuse of power, manipulation, fear tactics, gossip, etc. It was all the things that got in the way of doing business that were the real road blocks. So how do you overcome these human barriers in the business world?
My answer – take responsibility for yourself. Start trusting yourself, your knowledge, your experience, your power. Build a relationship with yourself. Do your personal work. Know who YOU are, and there by you take responsibility for what you’re bringing to the table. If you can’t bring your best self, don’t come. And if you really knew yourself, you’d know not to go that day. You’d recharge and go tomorrow, when you’re ready to be your best.
In regards to those whom you encounter in business, unless they’re colleagues or partners and you have to see them regularly, don’t over think your relationships, they either serve you or they’re don’t. If they’re not serving you, focus on what your contribution is and decide if you have the ability to make changes? If you can’t or won’t interact differently, then take responsibility for controlling their interaction with you.
It sucks to think that we die alone, but we do. Or, you could die with your best friend, in yourself. We all know relationships take time, nurture, attention, intention, support, collaboration, cooperation and much more. Where do you stand today in your relationship with yourself? Start there.
All the best,
Heather, CEO, 2020 Communications Inc.
Tags: 2020 communications, business, Ghost CEO, Heather White, Women in Business