ESP Mid Month Message - April

Gayle Price (President Elect) and I had the opportunity of participating in an excellent workshop by Kevin Eikenberry at the 2012 JCEP Conference in San Antonio.  He guided us through an exceptional  “Remarkable Leadership” experience that was truly not only inspirational, but uplifting and motivating.  He had the ability of helping you think that yes, I CAN make a difference in how I do things.  Below is a brief portion of the information from his session along with his book and website.
    
Saying less may mean more…….
Have you ever had a problem and needed to vent or just share what you were dealing with?  When you are in this situation, are you always necessarily looking for advice, input, or counsel? If you are like most people, probably not.
So why is it that when people come to us with their problems or challenges, we feel the need to (and perhaps the pressure to) respond, solve, or advise?
If you want to help others in these situations, begin by simply listening.  This means all of the things you know about listening should take place: nodding, encouraging body language, and more. . .Don’t feel that you must have a solution.  Don’t feel you have to respond.  Just let them talk.  That might be all they need or want.

If you want to be more empathetic, start by just listening. After they have shared their thoughts and feelings completely, then you can ask if they want or need input.   Then you can ask follow-up questions.  Then you can see what else you can do to support them.  Often, there won’t be anything else they want or that you need to do. By being silent and just listening, you have given them exactly what they need. And all of that comes after you are quiet.  So just be quiet. Your presence may be all they need.   Your acknowledgement may mean more than your answers.
 
I hope you are looking into the future in possibly taking part in some professional development opportunities. One event might be the National ESP Conference, October 6-10 in Mobile Alabama.  Seems like a while from now, but the early bird registration starts in May and goes until July.  There are a couple of scholarship opportunities from our chapter available for members to apply for to help with the costs.

Thought for the day:  Spend an hour listening to someone at least 15 years younger than you.

Have a great day!
Sandra L. Wick
KSU Alpha Rho Chapter President