‘Don’t chase the paper (money), chase the dream.’
(The Notorious BIG)
I conducted a leadership and goal-setting workshop with staff from the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Center for Student Success and Services (CSSS) in January. Extremely engaged group of professionals who were very aware of their goals and vision for success. My work allowed them to fine tune their organizational efforts towards creating empowered leaders who lead from the front.
During my time with the group we touched on the concept of inspiration and who they inspire through daily interactions. This was a very good way to get staff to engage and identify how they impact the organization in a positive way. While listening to their responses it was easy to see the passion they have for what they do and the clients (students, parents, leaders, peers) they interact with daily.
I formulated a question for myself on my drive back from conducting the workshop for CSSS staff members: What Inspires Me? Please note, this concept is something I have already identified but wanted to expand as part of my continued Walk into The Future.
Why
Months ago, a friend asked me ‘what’s your why?’. My response was: to impact people in a positive way to leave them better than when I found them. Simple enough, right? But to look deeper, my why and interactions with others is what inspires me daily. This process seems to generate a complete circle because the more I help others the more inspired I become. Understanding your ‘why’ can provide the blueprint for what you should be doing.
Who
I work with multiple people I’ve met over the years; some from my time in the Air Force, others from my work at multiple university Career Centers. My speaking engagements have allowed me to reach a larger audience from diverse work environments and backgrounds.
My interactions with branches on my tree drive my desire to help them succeed in their professional and personal lives. My branches determine the level of interaction needed during our check-in sessions. Some just need a little ‘encouragement’ while others need a full session to energize their efforts on their Walk into Future. Either way, my work with branches on my tree inspires me probably more than it does them. The stronger the branches grow, the stronger the tree becomes. Let’s inject the complete circle metaphor here again for visual impact. 😊
When
Spend time with me and I will probably have some level of advice for you. It comes naturally for me since I have a background in Psychology and Career Services arenas. I never force information on anyone but when asked I will give an honest answer. There will be times my responses require a branch to conduct homework (research, reflection, goal formation, etc.) and then we can get to work on mapping out a path for success. I agree to partner and help find the success needed to move forward. The ownership remains with the branch to finalize the process.
So, what truly inspires me? Having a formulated ‘why’ and interactions with branches (who) as determined by their needs (when). Simple enough, huh?
Thanks to my branches for inspiring me daily! Well done!
What inspires you daily? Who inspires you? Curious, thanks!
Walk Into the Future 