Thoughts of Woo
"There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't met yet."
- William Butler Yeats
Leading with Woo is the living, breathing version of the age old saying “never met a stranger.” Those who identify with Woo will agree that there are no strangers, simply friends we have not met yet. Thinking of all the people in the world who I have not yet formed a connection with is both massively exciting but also makes me extremely impatient to get out there and meet them all.
Reflecting on Woo this last week made for quite the social week (all safely and socially distanced of course!). I made sure to dedicate time to call some of my Q10s (Gallup’s terminology for best friend at work) and found joy in the conversations of catching up and swapping stories of what we are all working on. This led to brainstorming sessions that were innovative and creative and helped each of us hone our skills. I found extra satisfaction in checking in with clients this week, getting on the phone with them, and getting to know them even better. I connected with friends and family to prioritize spending time with them, even if it was just over the phone.
One of my favorite examples of my Woo is when I go to a coffee shop. I have been an avid coffee drinker for over a decade now because my first job was as a barista in a local coffee shop – I know coffee and I know what I like. However, every time I go to a coffee shop, I always ask the barista what they recommend. Most of the time, I still stick with my original order; but I am making a new friend by learning more about them, asking about their day, and taking their opinion into consideration.
Reflecting on Woo was such a natural feeling for me. Even on weeks when I am not prioritizing my reactions towards Woo, I love to reflect at the end of the day on the types of social interactions I had and all the new friends I made. I appreciate when my Woo feels productive and leads me to meaningful conversations that impact change and improve situations.
Feel free to reach out if you are interested in connecting (#Woo) and stay tuned for a reflection of my top 5 CliftonStrengths combined next week.
HR Program Manager at University of Nebraska Foundation | Specializing in Celebrating Employees
3 年Thanks for sharing your WOO with others! I can only imagine the impact and fun you radiate towards others since I witnessed it first hand! Love it.
VP Sales & Partnerships | Strategic Partnerships, Fraud Prevention
3 年Thanks for the advice!
Associate Principal at Gallup
3 年You are #Woo at its best Maddie Gaber!
Senior Workplace Consultant
3 年Ah Maddie, you have filled my bucket today! Thank you - you are just wonderful. Your passion for driving change and creating a positive impact through in the workplace through strengths, engagement and so much more is truly inspiring! Keep up the amazing work that you do ??
Player Development Mizuno USA
3 年This is great, Maddie Gaber, I really like the way you positioned your woo as a productive strength. Sometimes it can be conceived as simply a social strength that we leverage on the weekends with our friends. There is so much to be gained from a genuine interest in what is happening in other people's lives - my woo is outside my top 10 but I hope to use it more in the process of becoming a great friend and business partner.