I have a dream #2

Last week, I attended an intensive 3-day workshop, which primarily focused on emotional intelligence in the workplace. There was a whole lot of stuff on relationships, trust, behavior styles, yada yada yada. I really did enjoy the content, because it allowed me to see myself in a different light, what type of person I am, what I can be, and where I want to be. I was enlightened.

The workshop marked me as a “dreamer.” They say I have the ability to move others to action through my enthusiasm and playfulness. I enjoy helping others. I possess above average persuasive skills and feel comfortable speaking with almost anyone. I am fun to be around, exhibit flexibility, and can adapt to changing conditions.

The workshop also says that I have strong leanings as a "commander." Those are people with the ability to work rapidly and decisively, thriving on the thrill of the challenge and the internal motivation to succeed. They are both assertive and results-driven. They usually speak rapidly, directly and to the point. They can generalize well, while keep their eye on the big picture.

So, if I look back to my last blog entry “I have a dream,” I’ve pretty much made the decision to make some professional changes, if I am lucky enough to have the opportunity. If I was thinking “should I or shouldn’t I?” … I’ve decided that I should. If an opportunity surfaces (which I believe there will be), I am going to take that leap of faith in myself, and see where it takes me. I won’t go into any details here, since it would be a little embarrassing for a co-worker to read this, thinking that I’m looking for another job, which I’m not. I’m just saying, if my dream opportunity is out there, I will take the risk of exploring it.

So, I’m a fast talking dreamer, a persuader, a mover of people, who can see the whole picture, loves the thrill of a challenge, and make decisions.

I think I like that.

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OK, so I’m going to leave the quote below in (that was in my last entry) because it still applies.

“Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.” (Goethe)

Dreams and ambitions can sometimes get a bad rap today. It’s easy to discount the former as childish and the latter as greedy. That’s a mistake. In a way, troubled times can make it easier for people to reorient their priorities. If there was ever a time to dream big, it is today. When the rest of the world says hunker down and try to survive, we say that it is time to thrive. So, go ahead and dream. A dream is a powerful motivator.

I have a dream ... and a job.

In today’s economy and state of the times, I am very grateful to have a job. It is reasonably secure. It has interesting moments and can be fairly challenging. I enjoy working for my boss and with other people who surround my role. I have a wonderful team, who I am privileged to supervise. I like the company I work for. And, it provides a paycheck. The company I work for is going through some tough times right now, and I feel fortunate to have the position I’m in.

Still, sometimes I wonder if I should reach out and take a chance to do something else. I often think of myself as a risk-taker, but I certainly wouldn’t want to risk my employment status. There are other opportunities within the company that might be interesting, and I can’t help but think “should I or shouldn’t I?”

Yesterday, I read an article about a woman who “took a leap of faith … in herself,” stepped out of her comfort zone, and applied for a position that she was not used to but might grow her career. Might. She’s now an executive vice president with a large investment firm.

Now, my dreams do not include becoming an executive. But I am thinking … should I be happy, content, secure and grateful for what I have (the bird in the hand)? Or should I risk it for an opportunity to grow, challenge myself, and take on a new career adventure (2 in the bush)? There’s no guarantee that I would be successful, although I think I could be. And I would not be able to get my old job back, if I’m not successful.

But what the heck!! Why not?

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I am an avid fan of the Carrot Culture™, which teaches me, our leaders, and our employees the value of recognition. They inspire me into taking myself (and my team) to new heights of success in work and life. I’d like to share bits and pieces of Carrot advice in my blog, as they apply to me or you.

“Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of men.” (Goethe)

Dreams and ambitions can sometimes get a bad rap today. It’s easy to discount the former as childish and the latter as greedy. That’s a mistake. In a way, troubled times can make it easier for people to reorient their priorities. If there was ever a time to dream big, it is today. When the rest of the world says hunker down and try to survive, we say that it is time to thrive. So, go ahead and dream. A dream is a powerful motivator.

Carrot Action: Make a list of your successes. Then make goals for this year that will build on that momentum.

I rode the bus to work today.

I rode the bus to work today, as I often do. But I forgot my earphones to listen to my music, and everyone was driving me crazy.

It was pouring rain and the bus was crowded with very wet people. This guy is wearing a large stuffed backpack, and he won’t move back to make room for more people. But that’s not the real annoying part. He still had his fully stuffed backpack on and was smacking people standing and sitting around him every time he turned. Why doesn’t he take off the pack and put it on the floor before he gives me a concussion? That drives me crazy.

She gets on the bus, like she does every day. She proceeds to dig around in her purse for her bus pass (or fare); she can’t find it; she’s digging, digging, and digging, while people are standing out in the rain, waiting to get on. The people can’t get on the bus because the digger is blocking the door way, digging in her purse, looking for her bus pass. Doesn’t she know that she’s catching the bus, that the bus is coming, and that she is going to have to pay for her ride? Why doesn’t she have her bus pass in her hand when the bus arrives? That drives me crazy.

There's another woman. She’s loud. She’s rude. And OMG ... she’s a yuk-yukker. That just drives me crazy.

And, why do we have to listen to loud people talking on their cell phones? Do you really think we're interested in how drunk you got last night, or what a jerk your boyfriend is, or how your surgery is healing up, or how great your baby is potty training, or ... or ... or ... ??!! And do you think the person you’re talking to has their phone up to his/her ear, but can probably hear you without the phone?! Gees, that drives me crazy!! QUIET!!!

So, with all of that … my day has started out MAH-vah-lous! I hope my carpool driver feels better tomorrow.