Should we be friendly or formal on LinkedIn? I think we must share from the heart if we are to have an impact on those who read our posts.
This blog post contains my personal LinkedIn posts for July 4 through July 10, 2022.
What I’ve heard about me!
The inner life of an introvert is shielded from others.
That inner life can be easily misinterpreted.
I was asked by a high school teacher if I ever let anyone inside. Actually, hardly ever.
Late in my career, I was told that I came across as very guarded. Well Yes, that’s correct!
When I struggle to fit in, it’s not because I’m broken. Instead, it’s because I’m out of place with who I am. How did I get into that place? I accepted the opinion of others about who I should be! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: Being an introvert doesn’t mean I’m broken, thus in need of being fixed. But, I have learned how to give back in various roles, based on who I am as my (mostly best) self.
See my comment below about feeling out of place and not questioning the opinions of others.
The Precept: From Proverbs 14.8 we learn that it’s foolish to be self-deceived. Conversely, it’s wise to be discerning as a result of self-reflection.
What have you heard about yourself, that’s true, but you’ve grown out of?
Can self-reflection be honest?
We’re told to practice honest self-reflection.
Well, I think it’s really hard to do – honestly!
Why? Because it’s hard work. And, it’s unpleasant.
Worse yet, it pushes us to change!
I recently found a letter from 1986 about winning a national sales trip. I know, that’s before some of you were born! Within a year, I was out of that job.
Back then, I had to honestly self-reflect. Quickly.
Experience isn’t the best teacher because we don’t always learn from experience. Instead, we learn best from thoughtfully reflecting on those life experiences! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: It’s hard to admit you’re failing. However, it’s even harder not to make the needed changes to fix the problem.
The Precept: In Proverbs 23.4-5 we’re warned to consider our motives when making career decisions. We should make sense of what’s happening as part of that process.
How has your career benefitted from a tough season of honest self-reflection?
Friendly or formal?
I see lots of reminders that LinkedIn isn’t Facebook.
I get it – LI is about networking and sharing expertise.
But, how do others on LI get to know us?
We can accumulate stuff without thinking, but we must build relationships intentionally! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: Sharing intuitively, from the heart, helps others get to know us. As such, we build trust leading to deeper relationships.
The Precept: Proverbs 18.24 states one of the basics of life – if you want friends you must be friendly!
What helps you build relationships on LI?
Want to be more caring?
Be careful what you wish for!
Why? Because life challenges, serious losses, and unfair treatment are effective ways to grow empathy.
My life story isn’t just where I came from and who I was. Instead, it’s how much I’m growing right now! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: There’s nothing like severe life experiences to equip us for caring for others!
The Precept: Proverbs 14.10 states that “the heart knows its own bitterness…” Thus, life challenges are deeply embedded into our character.
What’s helped you to learn compassion?
Introvert Tip: I’m not quick on my feet!
Want to make an introvert panic?!
Ask them “What’s happening with you!”
As an introvert, I’ve been there and struggled with that question.
Yesterday’s accomplishments don’t erase today’s doubts about my capabilities right now! Consequently, I must remind myself each day about my capacity to succeed. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: For me, it worked well to have a couple of minutes to compose myself before I walked into a networking session.
I would make a list of what was happening so I could respond in a rational manner to “What’s happening with you?”
If you’re an introvert, what helps you network well?
What do you have to do?
Here are two phrases to describe “have-to’s”:
“Meandering in a cage of must do’s” from Madhu Kumar Gambhir.
“Living one’s whole life by being trapped with obligations” from ILDIKO BUJAKI.
A specific activity can be viewed as either an:
1). Obligation to dread (a “Have To”), or
2). Opportunity to flourish (a “Get To”).
The primary difference between Have To and Get To is my perspective. My mindset. Therefore, I should choose my perspective wisely! proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Question: So, what do you perceive as a “have-to’s” in your personal or professional life? Leave a comment.
Heart before head!
What’s wrong with head-only leadership?
One problem is that the leader never touches the hearts of those he/she is working with. Thus, no human connection.
And, there’s limited engagement or buy-in.
Truly, personal transformation is from the inside-out. Thus, habits follow, they don’t form, our character. As a result, our character drives everything else in life. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Today’s Observation: Leading with the heart, from the inside-out, doesn’t abandon logic or reason. Instead, it builds the trust needed to accept that logic.
HEART BEFORE HEAD.
Similarly, we grow from the inside-out by first building character, then changing our behavior.
HEART BEFORE HABIT.
The Precept: Proverbs 25.2 teaches that leaders build influence by thoughtfully understanding what’s going on around them.
