I'm almost thinking of changing my tagline from connecting ideas and people to being helpful is the new black.
Here's why I like it as a brand: it's simple, descriptive, it inspires action, evokes emotional intelligence and it's sustainable - all in one phrase. Alexandra said it well, it could be an organization's mantra. I'm thinking it definitely is good karma.
What does being helpful translate to as behaviors? Does it help move, attract, inspire different behaviors in others? I mean we're pretty much done with the conversation, right? We want to have more agent, a little less conversation now.
For me it means:
- finding opportunities to give back without asking for anything
- paying extra attention to a detail that will make me a better connector
- taking the time to pull back from the deep in-the-weeds and into-my-head thinking and observing/enjoying the activities/ideas of others
- going that extra mile in gratitude by proofing an article, providing guidance, sharing resources
- collaborating with a team at work and letting others lead to new knowledge
- joining projects spontaneously without bossing anyone around or wanting to take the credit
- choosing to be totally awesome, even when the little voice in my head wants to hold back
- giving marketing its good name back by creating value
- putting the public back in public relations, improving reputation and earning the trust of the community
- building community or helping others create community around their projects
- reflecting on the consequences of an action before taking it, there's a bit of jumping the gun with news announcements these days...
- staying positive and true to myself
This and keeping a good sense of humor is what I'm focusing on at the moment. My days tend to get filled with interesting projects and the occasional challenge calling for a miracle. What about you? How do you think about being helpful?
Please note: being helpful doesn't mean agreeing with each other all the time. The whole point of being honest and transparent is allowing others to see our differences, and agreeing to accept theirs. I often thank people when they argue with me. It makes me more aware of my choices and the strength of my conviction when they do. And I don't need to be right all the time. Do you? Plus, as I often say, we can be tough on the issues, soft on the people.
[t-shirt image created at SpreadShirt]