The image above is from a slide I often use in leadership workshops. On the surface, the activity is simple enough: Take a moment to write three words you would like someone to use when describing you to a new hire. (Feel free to replace new hire with friend, stranger, parent in the community, or network connection.)
Take a minute to do this activity right now.
What were the three words you wrote?
Did you write only three, or did you cheat and add a fourth, a phrase, or even a full sentence? 🤓
For many of us, this activity initially seemed easier than it proved to be when we put it into practice. Essentially, we’re talking about a very finite list of three character traits you would like people to attribute to you, based on their perception and interactions with you. Three words are not a lot to describe someone, so ideally, we’d want the most substantive words chosen that reflect who we want to be.
Look at the three words you wrote.
Do you like them? Do you want to swap one or two out for others?
Do they accurately describe you? Are you sure?
How do you know?
You know what’s coming next, right?…
HOW DO YOUR BEHAVIORS PROVE THESE WORDS TO BE TRUE?
WHAT WILL YOU DO TODAY THAT GIVES PEOPLE THE REASON TO USE THESE WORDS TO DESCRIBE YOU?
HOW AND WHEN WILL YOU PUT THESE BEHAVIORS INTO ACTION?
(If you want the emotion of feeling amazing when people use these words to describe you, you have to put yourself into action to make it happen.)
*Bonus activity for workshop alumni 😉*
If you have your original index card from one of our sessions together, pull it out and compare today’s list to your previous one. Are they the same? How are they different? What’s new? How have your behaviors developed over time to ensure that your actions match your words?
Shoot me a note and let me know; you know I’m curious!
*If this activity (and many more) intrigues you, and you feel your leaders and managers would benefit from professional development, let’s talk, and we’ll put together a fantastic experience for your team.
