ACKNOWLEDGING

I believe in acknowledging others when I’ve been lukewarm or resistant to an idea.

PIVOTING

When I pivoted my coaching practice, I thought my target audience was formerly successful and revered Baby Boomers angry at being pushed out of their jobs. I also thought I was running a B2C (Business to Consumer) enterprise.

Jenny Amon Fenig, James Tuckerman, John Englezos, and Jessica Shelley told me I was a better fit as a B2B (Business to Business) provider. Six years later, I see truth and success in their advice. (Yeah, I once had an Air Force General tell me, “you sure are a slow learner!” And oh my goodness, the context for that conversation was a hilarious experience I’ve written about before. 🙃)

Antoinette N. Cooper, Casey Shaw, Sarah Robinson, and Whitney Hobley all told me that Millennials could and would want to benefit from my knowledge.

THEY WERE RIGHT TOO!

For the past year, I’ve been consistently working with 3 nonprofit organizations filled with the most amazing and talented human beings, most of which are Millennials.

VALIDATING

Today, a friend shared a clip from a summit put on by the Global Leadership Network. If you know me, you know I will search the background of an organization to know who’s the “Wizard of Oz behind the curtain.”

While searching, I also saw this quiz – “Which Generation Does Your Leadership Resonate With Most?”  A survey and quiz junkie, I thought “why not take it?” The results validated what my Millennial Loves were telling me all along. The quiz results rank order which generation you most resonate with and why. In this order, I resonate with:

1. Millennials (1981-1996) (9.8)

      2.  Gen Z (1997-2012) (9)

      3. Gen X (1965-1980) (8.6)

4. Baby Boomers (1946-1964) (8)

 5. The Silent Generation (1925-1945) (6.8)

Because this was my lowest ranked generation I was given this note: Consider these helpful ideas on how to lead this generation better…

1. Create a code of conduct and rules plan
2. Revamp your healthcare and retirement benefits
3. Make your goals clear, then work backward from your goals to establish a clear path to success
4. Create an org chart and clarify positions and authority
5. Invite them to lunch and ask about their families and their past

What leadership tips did I learn and how can it apply to you?

1. You can be stubborn, and still learn if you’re open.
2. Sometimes others see strengths you don’t see.
3. Dip your toes in the waters of what others see. (As the old cereal commercial touted – “Try it, you might like it.”)
4. Thank the folks who graciously shared their wisdom.
5. And finally, It’s good to be surrounded by people who have your best interests at heart.

So thank you to my coaches, mentors, friends, and relatives mentioned and not mentioned who’ve contributed to my wellbeing and success. It feels good.

I wish you much love, much success, and much calmness.

Lori