Have you ever witnessed someone say and do something that just made you cringe?
For me, it was about 13 years ago, whilst I was a participant in a training program.
The presenter was proudly telling her story about how she confronted a local checkout operator.
“Are you happy?” she asked the checkout operator.
“Yes”, replied the young girl.
“Well, notify your face”, boomed the presenter and laughed heartily.
Wow! I didn’t think that was funny. I didn’t laugh.
I thought it was cruel and righteous, which brings me to my point this week.
We all have different personalities; some are gregarious and outgoing and funny and loud and others are the exact opposite.
Because we’re different doesn’t mean we’re bad or that there is something wrong with us.
This presenter showed a complete lack of understanding of the differences and individuality in people.
I’m fascinated by people and I’ve been studying people all my life. I love people. I don’t always like them, nor they me and that’s okay because it would be a dull old world if we were all the same.
We need our differences. We need people to see things differently to us. We need people to do things differently to us, especially if we’re on a team.
We need the Drivers, the Coaches, the Advisors and the Counsellors. Each personality type has strengths and weaknesses and together they compliment each other and create a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts (that’s the definition of “Synergy”).
If I take my own advice, I need to accept that the presenter has different views and ways of showing up than I do and I shall stop being judgmental and righteous myself.
I’m absolutely passionate about understanding our differences and making the most of them.
Today I’m hosting a free online training “How Your Personality Affects How Well You Lead”.
It’s on Friday 15th January at 11:00am AEST (Sydney time).
Don’t worry if you can’t make it. Simply register for the training and we’ll send you a link to the replay.
Let’s start the year with tolerance and understanding – that is, of others and ourselves.
Click Here to register for the training.
And it’s okay with me if you’re happy and you’re the quiet type. I’m not going to demand that you Notify Your Face.
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