What’s your superpower?

This is me, walking out of my workplace after a fun day of seeing a really big idea come to life in the best way. 🥳 (Yay for partnerships & teamwork!) I stopped to take this picture because I suddenly recalled a tough memory through what I had written on my badge as my super power…(positivity!)

About 20 years ago I was in Chicago for a leadership development workshop as a new manager. One of the exercises included being videoed for a guided reflection interview. During my recording, the guy asked me what is my greatest strength and I said “my positivity”. He proceeded to tell me it wasn’t a word, mocked me in front of my peers, and pressured me to choose a “real” word. This was before smart phones so I couldn’t search the internet in the moment, but I was certain I was right. But…alas…this guy was an expert in development, so maybe he was right? I caved, and chose another descriptor to keep the exercise moving and get out of the heated spotlight.

Maybe it was some weird counter-exercise to get me to prove my positivity- or maybe he really thought it wasn’t a word... Whatever the case, I chose to stay positive, rolled with the punches, and soaked up all I could that week. Still thinking all along: mercy - I would never be so rude to a learner or feedback-recipient, nor embarrass them in front of their peers like that. Not even if they were wrong.

I didn’t know at the time that I would later pursue and complete a M.S. in his field of work (Industrial-Organizational Psychology), change careers, and get the opportunity to pour into leaders at a variety of levels.

Although, I purposefully kept my promise!

I may have forgotten Mr.-Scrabble-Battle until this day, but I’m grateful I stayed true to my promise to be kind, respectful, and encouraging to my learners and clients.

If you’re reading this and I’ve ever been able to pour into you through consulting, coaching, or teaching - I hope you felt valued and respected. And I hope you were encouraged and inspired to be successful in whatever our topic was. I genuinely believe in you! And, I’m still cheering you on!

Has anyone else had a random memory pop up lately that reminded you how far you’ve come or grown? I’d love to hear about it!

PS, I have to note = positivity IS a word! 🤣

And….Positivity is my super power! 🎉
(What’s yours?)