Today I had a conversation that sent me into a bit of a tailspin. Nothing bad, but I saw once again that I have not yet started standing up for myself in business situations as well as I do in personal matters. I know that it’s a matter of practice, but it still frustrates me each time it becomes an issue.
Afterward, I was ranting in an email to a friend about how differently I wish I had handled it. In my email I said that I only thought of the proper response after the fact and I wasn’t sure I would have had the courage to say it in the moment even if I’d thought of it. My friend’s response absolutely floored me: “Would you like to practice asking for what you need with me so that it just rolls off your tongue next time?”
Seriously!!! I didn’t even know that’s what I needed until it was offered to me and then I thought…of course!!! That’s exactly the right thing to do.
In the past I’ve judged role playing to be kind of goofy, but the truth is that I’m just afraid of being self-conscious while doing it. In this case I can really see the value, so I’m willing to bypass the judgements. I think this could be key to helping me take a big step forward – practicing saying some things out loud so that they not only feel natural but I REMEMBER to say them next time it’s appropriate.
BRILLIANT!!!
And here’s the crazier part – when I responded and said that yes, that would be a great thing for me to do, my friend responded by thanking ME for giving him an opportunity to practice HIS craft. Well if that doesn’t just turn the tables on everything I expected!!! It reminds me a lot of the post about “Giving AND Receiving” and how sometimes graciously receiving a gift is so much more valuable than being able to repay it.
To W. – thanks for the offer. I’ll definitely be taking you upon it. 🙂
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2 comments
Lisa LaPlante
August 30, 2011 at 9:06 PM (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I know JUST how you feel about role playing! I have always felt self conscious about it. But YAY for W. for encouraging you to let go about that and YAY for you for letting go enough to try … because YOU are so worthy of the confidence in your professional life that your personal person commands. =) Love you!
Leah Carey
August 30, 2011 at 9:22 PM (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Thank you, dearest Lisa. You’re so wonderful to me. 🙂 I love you too!