There’s an important prevention I sometimes use when facilitating critical group meetings. It’s a ground rule I call ‘No Me-Too Stories’. You’ve probably all experienced it. Someone tells a story in a group meeting. The story helps make the person’s point. Next thing you know, another person chimes in with their story. Then another. Rarely do the subsequent stories add much value—not adding much new perspective or insight. It’s just people expressing themselves—in the form of ‘me-too’ stories—that largely serve the storytellers own personal needs. The intentions behind the stories may be good and it may make the person telling the story feel good, but rarely does it help the group advance its objectives.Continue reading
Who Ya Hanging With?
Quick! Think of the people who you tend to hang around with. You know, people you don’t have to hang around, but people you want to hang around. For instance, the colleague at work who you can confidently confide in…the life-long friend who has always known how to buoy you up in moments of despair…the relative who always has your back…the college roommate who gave it to you straight when you were about to receive academic probation. What do they have in common?
Allison Morrissey of Durango, Colorado (who received an Advanced Readers Copy of The Power of Professionalism) made an astute observation when pondering that question. She notes, “Now I can articulate why I like my social circle so much. They come from every economic strata. They represent every educational strata. They cover a myriad of tongues, creeds, and skin colors. The commonality amongst them? They’re all professionals.”
How about you? Are you hanging around with professionals?