Small gestures, BIG difference

Good morning and a happy October to the hard-working LinkedIn community!

As I settled into the comfy library chair with my coffee and the bright fall sunshine beaming in, I feel a sense of confidence and positivity.?

You see, like you may be doing, I have started a search for a new role, a new organization, a new inspiration, a new family with a new purpose.??

For many, post-pandemic work has been a bit of a challenge as short stints, contracts and in & outs became the norm as we all struggle to find homes in organizations that are also reeling to find their own stability and identity in the new work climate.? Yes, I have some compassion for the places that reject me daily.

As many of us do, I started conversations with colleagues and connections, I began scouring the job boards and looking for roles that may drive a mutual skill and cultural growth opportunity.? Then I look for someone in that organization that I can reach out to for a little support and guidance with a genuine personal note.?

This is of course a numbers game.? Though some will take the time to connect, most people I reach out to don’t respond, or don’t bother to read it at all.? Perhaps too busy, too tired, too overwhelmed by their inbox or perhaps they just don’t want to.? This is all part of the process of course, and you just must keep going and believe it will pay off.? ?

I mean, it’s not personal, its business, right??

Actually, it’s completely and utterly personal.? It feels deeply personal in fact because it is.? ?

As a seeker we must wear our hearts on our sleeves, be genuine in a game of indifference and rejection while remaining positive.? We have our moments of crushed confidence, doubts in our skills and talents all while trying to push forward.? How can this not be personal?

On occasion someone will take a genuine effort to respond, be positive and kind.?? Though it may not seem like much, it does a world of good for our outlook and motivation.? It really is amazing how the smallest of gestures can carry such weight and lift waning spirits.?

Lynette Pretorius 's response below was one such moment.? I had reached out to her in an InMail, as she was not a direct contact, to ask about a posted leadership role Carbon6.? Lynette is a senior HR leader at that organization, very busy with significant work pressure and priorities.? She must get messaged on LinkedIn multiple times a day with various requests, but she replied to my note with this:

“Hi Dinu,

I hope you're doing well! Thanks for reaching out about this role and suggesting a meeting. I appreciate the initiative!

Unfortunately, due to the volume of requests coming into my inbox, I'm not able to arrange individual meetings. Nonetheless, I already forwarded your information to our recruitment team (though it sounds like you've also reached out to them directly!). They're thoroughly reviewing each application, and if they decide to move forward with yours, they will be in touch regarding the next steps in the process.

If you have a specific question that would help you assess the fit of this role for you, you can definitely drop me a note. I’m happy to exchange more context over messaging.

Wishing you the very best in this process. Your interest genuinely means a lot.

Let's stay in touch,

Lynette”

Perhaps you are the type of leader that always responds to those that contact you and are as gracious as Lynette was towards me.? If you are, then I thank you, and please know that your effort means a great deal, and embodies your true value as a leader.

It may not seem like much, but Lynette’s reply lifted my spirits and motivated me to drive forward with a deeper sense of positivity.? It also proved to me that being genuine and sincere can be reciprocated with the same.? That said, I will continue with my journey with more pep in my step after reading Lynette's reply and with a greater sense of support feeling like I have an ally out there.

Now, the point of all this is simple.?

If Lynette would take the time out of her busy day to offer up kind words and some leadership to a stranger, just imagine what she must do for her teammates as a leader at Carbon6.?? ??

She not only represented herself in her action, but also the mindset of her organization.? It gives me the sense that Carbon6 is a strong culture with great leadership and that wow, I’d love to be a part of that.?

Leadership is about people.? Understanding emotion, motivation, and the lives of those we lead.? Driving success through compassion and kindness, and the philosophy that our teams will exceed all expectations thriving in this environment.?? Lynette clearly understands this, and I wanted to take this moment to thank her for her kindness and say to Carbon6, that they are very fortunate to have her as part of their team.

Be well Magic Makers! PS. absolutely NO A.I. was used to craft this!

Dinu