Yesterday
I gave a talk at an organization that had asked me to conduct a one-hour
educational seminar. When I arrived, the
HR representative apologized because the turnout was modest. “We have trouble getting our people to come
to these sessions - even for important
things like when our broker comes to talk about retirement funds.” I took no offense at this remark, but a few
minutes later she did something else that made me wonder about her
self-awareness.
As
attendees filed into the room she excused herself, citing work
obligations. I’m perfectly capable of
introducing myself and I wasn’t expecting her to warm up the audience. Yet I can’t help but wonder what message she
sent by not even staying long enough to introduce me. Her behavior unintentionally sent a signal
that these seminars aren’t worth attending.
In
the work setting, self-awareness helps us ensure that that the message we
convey is the one we want others to receive.
By analogy, you can probably comb your hair while looking out the window,
but chances are you’ll look better if you use a mirror.
