Hi Michelle,
Do you have any specific hopes for the new year?
Thank you for the optimistic, fun question. I’ll share a wish list related to communication since that’s usually what’s on my mind.
With fingers crossed and with a nod to the power of visualization:
I wish we’d all pause today to answer: Why do I do the work that I do? Who benefits and how?
- Less stress and worry, more meaning in our daily lives!
I wish we’d get better as a species at seeing the futility of judging a book by its cover.
- Less stereotyping!
I wish we’d ask more often how those who are different from us experience the world.
- More empathy and inclusion!
I wish we’d remember how resilient the human spirit is, that even difficult change brings important gifts gained only through struggle.
- More belief in ourselves to succeed when the going gets tough!
I wish more people enjoyed and embraced negotiation.
- Better outcomes are often possible if we ask!
I wish more employers prioritized recognizing good effort and offering training opportunities, at least annually.
- More learning!
I wish more people would try a different method of managing disagreement when their go-to style isn’t helping the situation.
- More constructive conflict!
I wish more teams would select overarching priorities to work toward and develop tactics to achieve them.
- More strategic planning!
I wish we’d offer praise to those around us more often; not just to the rock stars.
- More recognition of those who are trying and more reason for people to try!
I wish more folks would re-read emails before they hit send and use a brief, descriptive subject line.
- More action taken on their messages!
I wish more people would embrace courage as communicators to ask the hard questions and share genuine feedback.
- Less complacency and more active shaping of organizational culture!
Finally, I wish I was a better listener – more interested in what’s being said and felt than in what I’m saying and feeling – more fulfilling relationships! (You’ll find me working on it daily and not just wishing.)
We start every day anew as a communicator. Proclaim a fresh start for yourself and celebrate even the smallest wins. They matter more than you may ever know.