I received a message yesterday from a friend who is an interim CEO in a very large, complex nonprofit in the education arena. Her message read The Board would like me to stay on for a couple more years. When I read her message, to be honest, the alarm bells went off for me. Red flags. Negative thoughts. You get the idea. The old me would have immediately sent a message of concern. I would’ve told her what I thought right away without stopping myself. And even though my intentions and words would’ve been coming from a place of care and love and concern, I would’ve told her what I thought without having been asked my opinion.
I cringe when I think of it because I am quick to offer my opinion and it’s taken a lot of work to slow that down and hopefully think before I speak or ask permission. I may have been the negative questioner saying something about salary, or even worse saying, are you sure? Are you sure? But I stopped myself this time. I was able to formulate a response which showed curiosity and asked her what her thoughts were without expressing my own. She’s an adult. She’s thoughtful, and I think what she needs most is space to reflect.
Friends say I live my life out loud. That’s because I’m a curious, adventurous person and, as an appreciator, I simply love to share what lights me up. Consider this is your invitation into my fun, multi-faceted world.
From my heart to yours
“Speaking with Constance helped me to see myself – and my experience –with fresh perspective. I got great clarity and completely shifted gears. She totally got it. The experience fully re-energized me.”
From my heart to yours