Robert Washington M.B.A MS

Motivational speaking is a broad term. Flexibility in this field goes beyond accommodating last-minute changes; it includes adapting your message to meet the specific needs of your audience. For example, you might be scheduled to speak about high-performing teams, but the company may also want you to incorporate a message about fostering a culture of inclusivity. Being agile and adaptable with your message enables you to expand into other niches and remain relevant to your customers' evolving needs.

My therapists, who is 62 years old and sees about 20-25 clients per week, once shared her approach to self-care. When I asked how she maintains her own well-being, she simply replied, "I have a therapist too." This reminded me that no one is immune to the need for self-care. When you are constantly giving to others, you must replenish yourself even more. Take trips and disconnect from the constant flow of information, meditate, exercise, and find a hobby that pulls you away from the daily grind.

Failure is not final; instead, it helps build our resilience and the mental capacity to overcome tough times. Failing quickly provides us with the experience necessary for personal and professional growth. Most importantly, the knowledge gained from our failures is invaluable and can be used to help others.

Active listening is key to successful networking. Ask thoughtful questions to draw out conversations and listen with the intent to benefit the other person. For example, at a networking event, I spoke with a colleague who was feeling stuck in their career. I asked about their goals and challenges. I then shared my experience of joining a professional development program that helped me gain new skills and advance in my role. This showed I understood their situation and offered a practical solution, adding value to our conversation.

Creating a safe space for employees to voice their concerns is essential. This can be done through open, non-judgmental communication. Often, we might not understand why someone resists change, but it's important to try and see things from their perspective. By engaging in dialogue and asking the right questions, we open communication channels that foster understanding and collaboration.

Honest, unbiased, and candid feedback is critical to a leader's success. Sometimes, it's hard to get candid feedback from others. One way to solicit candid feedback is to show openness to input by asking for detailed feedback. If seeking feedback, ask for a 20-30 minute meeting and set an agenda so the person you seek input knows what to prepare for. If you don’t ask, typically, people will not share feedback.