You have the key to the front door, the master key to the building, or the title you have been waiting for. You earned it, celebrated, and now you are beginning. You sense your pride and have congratulations in your messages.
Be careful.
You have been working so hard to earn this place. You have promoted yourself as a leader. You worked hard with activities and projects you have seen to fruition.
You wish to make an impact, to show positive change, and you cannot wait to get started!
Stop. Listen.
Your work will shine, but for now, listen. Listen to those who are lining up to tell you their ideas. Listen to those you ask questions to. Listen to what is said between the lines. Listen most to those who have been working at the location a long time. Listen to the secretaries. Listen and jot the thoughts down, and list your reactions to the thoughts.
Notice your implicit bias.
What are ideas you had negative thoughts towards? Were there reactions you judged? Did you avoid listening to certain people? Did you focus on certain groups and not others? List who you listened to. Do they have any commonalities in role, background, or thoughts? What type of background are you missing in input?
Keep your ego in check.
Did you make remarks regarding positive attributes your bring, or about others? Did you say thanks for compliments or did you also give compliments for sharing? Did you try to avoid asking people to write you an email? Did you think to yourself, “yeah right” at any point?
Plan for the next time.
Plan to listen to multiple thoughts. Aim to speak to who you avoided or did not engage as thoroughly. Compliment others. Seek to ask questions for clarification or further expansion versus sharing about yourself. Anytime you have a negative thought, focus on asking more questions or on what you appreciated. Write ideas or sharing down for further reflection.
On to the next day!
Always More 