Be Vulnerable and Support Others That Practise Vulnerability

• Volunteering to run a committee;
• Cold calling;
• Delivering a presentation to your co-workers;
• Running a workshop for your peers at a sales meeting;
• Asking a question on a Skype call or in a meeting;
• Asking for the business at the end of a sales call;
• Approaching a co-worker about an inappropriate behavior;
• Saying “no”;
• Simply voicing to your team:  We can do better!
• The list goes on…

Coming up with the list above was quite easy, as these are all things that I have struggled with at one time or another, and still wrestle with in some cases.  In every example, I can think back to how I was able to tackle and overcome my fear… and there are numerous people who were my supports throughout!

When I graduated from university, I decided that I would like to be a drug rep.  This nine-month job search was the most daunting task of my life.  Who knew that besides my parents and brothers (who loved me), it would be strangers I met along the way that would also be my supports in creating safety for me?  This support was crucial in helping to build confidence and trust in myself.  Paul Furgal let me call him every Friday, and provided authentic advice and encouragement.  Bob Shiley invited me to his office and gave me guidance and even did a mock interview with me.  Tracey O’Neill bought me lunch and told me to call her anytime.  Each of these individuals, who I had never met prior to my cold call to them, took the time to mentor and support me through my journey, and whom I still think of often and appreciate.  When I asked how I could repay them for their helpfulness and generosity, each of them simply asked me to “pay it forward”, which I continue to do to this day.

Who do you support?

Do you have team members that act as supports at work to help create a safe environment, allowing others to take chances and build their confidence?  If so, that is great news! If not, then perhaps you need to take matters into your own hands!  For example:

• If someone volunteers to run a committee – congratulate them or offer to help;
• If someone is cold calling (and doing a fine job of it) at your door – provide some kind encouragement (especially if you turn them down);
• If a co-worker is delivering a presentation – pick out a strength they demonstrated and share with them in person or by email;
• If a team member is running a workshop for your peers at a sales meeting – thank them;
• If someone asks a question on a Skype call or in a meeting – thank them for asking the question;

Your positivity and support will be appreciated, and it will be contagious as well.  Not only will you be the purveyor of creating a safe space, but your leadership will be appreciated.

When I first started my career, I learned this lesson by simply observing at work and at meetings.  The individual who best exemplified being a support to others early in my career was Luc Renaud.  So positive and genuine, he always shared a positive note, pat on the back, clapping the loudest and offering support when someone needed it the most.  What a beauty!

Be the purveyor of a safe place for all to take chances at work.  If you can lead the way and get others to join you, it will be a pleasure to come to work every day!