Here's a little known secret: I don't like being in the spotlight.
I speak at conferences, show up at dinners and cocktail parties. I mostly never drink and I feel anxious in crowds. In fact, though totally at ease on stage in front of hundreds authentically sharing what I have seen transform the lives of hundreds of people, you will find me sneaking off to my hotel room afterwards (usually early) to watch Dancing with the Stars.
And for the record, my feedback forms often DO come back very positive, because of my quiet determination to make a difference and create a great experience for my customers.
I love working with you to ignite a passion with sales teams, motivating young people to succeed, and helping those inside service teams feel valued and heard. But I'm not an extrovert. In fact, I have a difficult time with people who delight in self-promotion, shameless or otherwise.
So why am I writing about this today?
Over the years of building a successful training and coaching firm I've come to an important conclusion: It's okay to be who you are. Just also be willing to stretch!
I often credit one of my favorite topics to author Paul Stoltz. His work on Adversity has greatly impacted my life. In short, he says our #1 factor for success is how well we withstand and overcome adversity. Good thing. Because although I've always had a core deep desire to succeed, I have not always been exceptional on how I handle tough times. I was taught to "hunker down" and just take a beating when life's circumstances overpower.
Rarely did I look up, let alone find the courage up rise up and lean in. But leaning in is what separates the “Campers” from the “Climbers”.
Shocking as it is, 80% of our workforce is made up of those that are the uninspired participants of significant change. They mask their desire to grow by settling into the comfort of status quo.
What's the difference between an introvert and a climber?
Several years ago I was on the faculty for a national training organization. As a part of that 2+ day program, we did a basic 4 quadrant behavior style analysis. My big take away, even all these years later, was to learn over 67% of professionals in the industry are what I call "doves". Kind, amiable, tender-hearted individuals who absolutely avoid conflict like the latest Trump twitter tirade! And guess what else? We find that doves are also the SLOWEST to change.
Even if you're an introvert you can still be a climber. Don't let stereotypes get the best of you. Speak up! Get involved! Make your voice heard! You have something very valuable to contribute.
If you're a leader reading this, write down 2-3 things you've resisted changing and set your “BY WHEN” to try something new.
If you're in sales, think about ways you can attract more loyal customers by sharing ways your approach will help them achieve cohesiveness in their insurance program. This definitely includes changing up your old dusty proposal templates!
If you're position is customer care, think about ways you can lean in to having those tough conversations on additional coverages or rounding your accounts so they know you're looking out for them!
All of us have a part to play. Each of us serves a valuable purpose. For me, it's about overcoming a naturally shy tendency. I stretch to share my passion and vision to serve others. What about you?