A New Chapter

It’s Monday and that can only mean one thing.? It’s time to share!!? Ok, it can mean other things, but it is the last time for at least a while that it will be a working Monday.

While I love that you read my words in written form, as usual, if you would rather listen, in either of Canada’s official languages, click here: People Power Everything Podcast (Version Francophone)

An appropriate number of weeks ago, I gave my resignation at work.? It was an exceedingly difficult decision because I really love the people that I work with day in and day out.? They are amazing and full of potential.? They help each other, are free of judgement, are open to feedback and have a thirst for learning.? There are quotes in the wild about “hiring for attitude over aptitude” that were clearly taken seriously every hire before I ever arrived, and definitely after.? The team still has lots to learn, as do we all, but their attitude is unbeatable.?

Whatever happens, I know they have each other’s back, and mine, and that is awe inspiring. I can say in all honesty that this is the closest I have ever been to a team.? They somehow succeeded in being a team full of people that embody the spirit of my friend Joseph, who we tragically lost several years ago now.? Joseph, or JZ as we called him, was an extremely loving, and freakishly flamboyant soul.? He still influences who I am as a person in every facet of my life.? He was the one that taught me that it was ok to love people we work with, to become friends, to give each other hugs (Only those who consent, of course!) and have true, tell-it-like-it-is deep conversations without fear of judgement.?

Working remotely, you would think that the closeness would be hard to come by, but it seemed very easy.? We saw each other on a regular basis, about once a month, and got to the point where the hug upon saying hello was just normal.? Loving each other is just normal.? I have to give massive credit to Eric Lavoie for bringing me together with the team.? And, to the team for being open-minded and willing to share who they are.? We never intentionally set out to be a team that is so close, but it came naturally and built a culture of extreme trust.? Some would ask “But, doesn’t that make difficult conversations way more difficult?”.? The answer is a resounding “no”.? It makes them more caring.? It makes them deeper and more sincere.? For example, what is more caring than helping people improve by having open and honest conversations that are free from judgement?? Maybe the detachment makes some leaders more comfortable, but when was the last time you got advice or training about how to stay comfortable?? Quite the contrary, we are bombarded by messages of stepping out of our comfort zone in order to improve.? The step that includes difficult conversations takes courage, and a lot of trust to begin with, but the gift of truth and constructive feedback becomes easier with practice, not to mention the gratitude that inevitably follows.?

A wise man, his name is Benoit Chalifoux, taught us this past week that trust requires strong authenticity, empathy and logic. Based on his comments, I think the team has already nailed trust pretty well.? We share strong ethical values.? We are transparent about what we are thinking.? We don’t judge.? We practice empathy with each other, even when we couldn’t possibly understand what the other person is going through.? We have each other’s back, always.? We assume positive intent.? We know that we practice common sense, which isn’t always so common.? We ask each other for help and feedback.? We are a trusting team and I think that is pretty amazing to find.?

With all that, why am I leaving then?? It’s simply time for me to get my graduate degree done, which has a deadline attached, and start a new chapter.? Another deep question that came across last week in training was “What are you going to call your next chapter?”, which I have been thinking about quite a bit.? There were a few drafts like “Happy Human Helper”, “The Humanizer”, “Professor Follower”, and “Constructive Slacker”.? That last one really spoke to me, but I decided on for right now is “Focused Thought Vagabond”.? ?While it may seem contradictory, I see the breadth of opportunities it brings and I believe it encompasses me as a person. I have ideas and desires to pursue public speaking, consulting, teaching and simply doing whatever the hell I want.? As my anthem for 2024 says “Wanna feel pride and shame, I don’t want to take my time, don’t want to waste one line” and “Never look back and say Could Have Been Me”.? So, here I go, taking a leap of faith knowing that I am Enough.

To sign off this week, I am going to quote my favourite author of all time and simply say “So long and thanks for all the fish.”.

Have a great day and week ahead.?

John

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