Using your VOTE powerfully

Larry J. Sabato's words, "Every election is determined by the people who show up." Wise words! Looking at around 73% -the record turnout in Karnataka- it looks like a little awareness is important. Especially when people exercise their rights, the leader who gets chosen can be the one people want to have. Every one of us has this right as a citizen of a democratic republic. The mark of the indelible ink on your finger is a proud mark, for all especially those who vote for the first time. Noticed a lot of people taking group selfies once they voted at the voting center.

Life too gives us the privilege of a VOTE that we have which we need to use in our personal & professional life. It is a blessing we have. When we exercise it, we see the ripple effect. There are no booths and no indelible ink marks when you use your VOTE wisely. This is a choice you have. It turns into a blessing primarily when used & secondly when used wisely especially when you are on your leadership journey!

Let's dissect & see what is this VOTE that each of us has that we should not waste. It's all about how we leverage our Voice, Observation, Thoughts & Empowering capabilities. In a way, it connects us to the #voiceinme.?Looking at each with more detail.

Voice is what each of us has and needs to use when we have an opinion to share or a suggestion to give. Whether you are a leader or a leader in the making make sure you share your feelings or opinions especially when asked. Speaking up will surely add a perspective that could change the way the group would think & only add to the richness of the group's wisdom.

“The feelings were ones I’d already felt and had been writing about. When I got the chance to speak up it was a chance to express what I’d already been feeling and writing about.”?-?Rosalie Fish?on knowing what to say when she decided to speak up.

Observant: when you observe, you speak of the unsaid. You are mindful of the nuances of the emotions which make you richer & more holistic in your approach. The unsaid becomes clear & the team members feel included. The Silence is heard & the Pauses are understood. To make a relationship deeper, learn to be observant. Challenges & situational leadership will be a better combination.

“Any leadership that is observant and committed to its people will always find better ways to solve problems.”―?Gift Gugu Mona

Thoughts shape us & our confidence, in what is possible. Be cautious about how you think! What we nurture in our minds, absorb from books, talks, people & everything we consume on social media shapes us into who we become. Therefore being wise in our focal points is very important.

“The outer conditions of a person's life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state...Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.”―?James Allen in "As a Man Thinketh"?

Empowering yourself & those around you is an amazing way to move into the leadership space. Leaders who have left an indelible mark on us are those who have powerful quiet confidence, are assertive & very clear in what they want to delegate to whom & why? It is leaders in an empowering position who can empower others around them. It is not the position you occupy that makes you empowered but your self-confidence & self-belief.

"Most people think leadership is about being in charge. Most people think leadership is about having all the answers and being the most intelligent person or the most qualified person in the room. The irony is that it is the complete opposite. Leadership is about empowering others to achieve things they did not think possible. Leadership is about pointing in the direction, articulating a vision of the world that does not yet exist. Then asking help from others to insure that vision happens." Simon Sinek.

We are a work in progress. Let's resolve to live. "Life fully and not with any regret!" Leveraging what we have & using what we are blessed with is what truly exercising our VOTE is all about.

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The Human Library Podcast "U n' I with Rashmi Shetty" (Season 2)

Our guest tomorrow is Ar. Apurva Bose Dutta a Bengaluru-based?author, award-winning architectural journalist, curator, educator, and editor,?with 18 years of global collaborations with architecture-design publication houses, firms, organizations, and institutions.

Widely published, Apurva has been recognized for her pioneering work in architectural design writing in India. She has been invited by the Australian and Finland Governments to represent the?Indian delegation at International Media Visits of Architectural Writers?in Melbourne (2016) and Helsinki (2018). She debuted as an author in 2017 with ARCHITECTURAL VOICES OF INDIA (published by Cambridge Scholars Publishing, UK) and is looking forward to her forthcoming book, ARCHITECTURAL INHERITANCE AND EVOLUTION IN INDIA.)

For more details, you can visit:www.apurvabose.com?

Her #Instahandle - @apurvabosedutta

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SELFI is a newsletter where I share my reflections on life. Moments where some simple elements stayed on to create a SELFI moment! Moments that force the?#voiceinme?to express. Do subscribe if you like what you read & do share it with anyone you think will benefit!

I also host an award-winning weekly human library audio podcast called "U n' I with Rashmi Shetty" which can be heard on all popular platforms. Uploads are on Fridays.?Do subscribe if you like it & do share it with anyone you think will benefit!

Do get in touch if you need inputs on how to improve your VOICE & Vocal presence. I also facilitate customized leadership programs.

For details please visit: https://coachrashmishetty.com/exclusive-programs/