MONDAY BYTES – September 10, 2012
My friend John Steinmetz reminded me recently—thank you, John!—about how changing your perspective can completely change your reality.
John wrote that his “A-HA” moment with networking happened at a conference, observing someone else’s networking. John watched this well-liked fellow and “realized that he wasn’t promoting his own work so much as connecting people with each other. As a result, everybody stopped by to say hello to him.”
John wrote: “this idea really helped . . . that one can network, and increase one’s value to the ecosystem, by helping others connect.”
This is a great way of thinking—and not just about networking—but about your entire career.
If you focus on yourself, you may unfortunately view your colleagues as competitors, as threats.
If on the other hand, you see your mission as being a partner in building the creative life of your community, you may become not just a better collaborator and citizen but a happier person! Not only that, you may also find more opportunities. By focusing on the needs of others, you will naturally notice in what ways you can be of service—both as a person and as a professional.
Let’s remember that the measurable value of our work lies in its perceived value by others. As John reminds us, we are part of an ecosystem. Our quality of life is all about our relationships within our interwoven communities: our web of family, friends, colleagues, business contacts, customers, and clients.
For this week: Try turning your attention from yourself and your own career goals to the needs of those around you—your community. Shift your focus this week and see what happens.
We can make our world a better place day by day, one step at a time: let’s get started.
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Dream big, Plan smart, Live well!
