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Conversation Toolkit for Success: Offers
What have you offered lately? Are you waiting for an invitation?
Too often wannabe leaders sit back and do exactly that; wait for others to ask them to participate in a project, spearhead a meeting, serve on a committee, or contribute an idea. These opportunities could contribute to his or her professional standing. While they wait, someone else has been asked or has volunteered. There’s goes her or his chance to shine and move to the head of the pack.
An Offer is the third communication tool that generates action. Not third in importance. They all contribute to your success at work, in relationships, in your community. Part 1 described commitments. Part 2 emphasized the importance of asking for help. All articles cover definitions, impact, and questions for reflection. Each is brief and intended to provoke thinking. All tools are based on the work of Fernando Flores.
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I’m far from perfect on this one myself. This website is an offer. And I don’t consistently add articles. I can claim that I have a busy schedule, and I do, but I undermine myself by not carrying out my offer.
On the plus side, I did check in with a client last week to offer a very exciting new program developed by a friend of mine about dealing with politics in organizations. It’s called Organizational Savvy. That opened up another conversation about what else I could do for them. There’s potential there. I might have missed out on some opportunities if I hadn’t made the offer. Plus If the client goes with the Org Savvy program, I’ll be can lead that program for them. It helps me, my client, and my friend and colleague.
Offer: An expression of readiness to give or do something if desired by another
Impact:
*You enhance your reputation as you become known as someone who is willing to step up to the plate, to do your share, to be action oriented in the service of a person, project, or organization.
*You expand your capacity, develop your portfolio, build a network, create new clients.
*You expand your horizons, explore new territory, get unstuck, eliminate boredom.
Questions for reflection:
*What are you hesitating to offer? *What do you have to gain if you make the offer? *What are you afraid you might lose? *Have you checked in with your client base recently to see if there is anything they need? *What obvious needs might you fill (without resentment) for *your family and close friends? *Imagine a year from now that you are looking back at having made that offer which someone took you up on. How is your life different today as a result? *Are you delaying because you may have to spend too much time? For many people, days are way too full as it is. Keep track for a week of how much time you spend doing what. You may be surprised how many extra hours are available if you just got organized.
If you’ve read this far, here’s my offer. Email me with questions about anything on my website and I will respond within 3 days or sooner.
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