This blog was written in partnership with the talented and generous Carys Dayne, www.speckyandginge.com thank you Carys!
Close your eyes, have a think for a moment. What does the best version of you look like? It might mean pushing yourself out of your comfort zone in order to see it, it might feel uncomfortable. In order to grow, change and become stronger sometimes we need to give ourselves a little stretch.
“The most important thing to remember is you CAN do it”
Last year, I took an uncomfortable leap out of my comfort zone. I was asked by 2 clients to support them with delivering development activities online. This opportunity enabled me to adapt to meet my clients needs, and it allowed me to offer a wider range of learning & development options in the future.
The most challenging, even frightening part of what I was being asked to do was the online bit! Those who know me well know I am not the most confident when it comes to tech, but I reminded myself that’s OK as it’s an area I can learn.
One client asked me to support the development of their leaders using Facebook to facilitate `live training & interview sessions’ and video-linked 1:1 coaching sessions.
Another client asked me to deliver a series of on-line training sessions via Zoom, covering topics such as Communication, Assertiveness and Customer Service Skills; all of which I am confident in as I have a wealth of experience in these areas. Delivering training `online’ however was a whole new ball game!
What was I so scared of?
- My lack of confidence in my technical capability
- Worry if things went wrong?
- How will I fix things, if it goes wrong during the session?
- What will people think of me if things go wrong?
- How do I manage my `fixed mind-set’ in dealing with anything `IT’ related?
- Will I ever be prepared?
Do any of these fears sound familiar to you? Confronting my concerns made me step out of my comfort zone. Facing these fears has enabled me to grow and to diversify in the way I do business, which is even more key as we continue to work differently in lockdown.
I now embrace on-line platforms with an open mind and with renewed enthusiasm. Recently I’ve taken part in several webinars and learning action sets as a participant, to enable me to put myself in the learner’s shoes. This allows me to appreciate what it’s like for others using online platforms for the first time. Listening, empathising and engaging with others is key to ensure an inclusive and positive experience for my participants.
What are my reflections on `facing my fears’?
- Be clear on what it is you’re trying to achieve; what’s the purpose and what are the outcomes? Create a plan.
- Learn, and be open to learning. My client who recruited me as a training associate for the 4 month zoom-training provided me with brilliant training and instructions with guidance & troubleshooting, to help me prepare to use zoom effectively, and to respond to any potential difficulties.
- Practice, practice, practice! I practiced on my own, with family members, testing the functionality as well as the differences in facilitating a group where I can only see their top half on the screen!
- Take care to not let my `be perfect’ driver get in the way!
- Continue to develop my growth mind-set for all things IT related; consider my achievements so far in resolving IT issues, leading on-line training sessions and advising others to use the system.
- Talk to others, to share ideas and potential concerns, peer coaching proves invaluable for this.
- Relax and be yourself, trust that you’ve got this!
- Focus on your strengths that energise you, to help you in those areas you feel `less strong in’ and to feed your growth-mindset. My strengths include creativity, growth and explainer as identified on the fabulous strengths profile via strengthsprofile.com.
- Keep learning, keep growing. I’ve started working in collaboration with a fab client and fellow trainer to launch our first podcast series. Another leap out of my comfort zone, exciting though!
Finally, as I write this in June 2020, during these unprecedented times, it’s key that your colleagues, your team, your customers, can see & hear you, and are able to connect and strengthen their relationship with you in a different, virtual way. Be authentic, and be transparent, let others into your world. Many of us are looking a bit different with longer or different shaded hair than we’d normally like, and that’s absolutely fine! We’re also potentially working with partners, children or pets at home as well, so sights and sounds of our surrounding worlds are to be expected. Equally, if you are experiencing video call overload, which can have the down side of draining our energy, then do balance this out with some calls as well.
If you would like to explore ways to lead & motivate yourself and/or your team, or to incorporate online learning into your business, please do reach out for a video call.
I’d like to share a great opportunity to take some time for you, on my forthcoming online personal development workshop scheduled for July 7th, Being the Best Version of You.
Warm wishes,
Karen
“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Karen for about three years now. Karen is warm hearted, generous and a learning and development professional I admire. Today I enjoyed a thought provoking session Karen facilitated on ‘Being the Best Version of You’. I look forward to the day we can co-facilitate together”.
Kay Buckby, Sept 2018