How Resourceful Are You
(Image from Pixabay)
How Resourceful Are You?
"A resourceful person will always make opportunity fit his or her needs.”
Napoleon Hill
There are times in our leadership journey when we have to dig deep. Being resourceful requires us to think of things from a different perspective. It's about giving ourselves the time and space to come up with a different idea or approach.
To be resourceful, we need to understand some key concepts:
The role of perception
Seeking validation
Having conviction
Perception
The Collins Dictionary defines perception as the way you think about (something) or the impression you have of it.
It's a double-sided coin. How should I behave to create the kind of perception, and therefore reputation, that I want others to have of me? How am I preceived by others, and does this match with my intention?
Perception can be a funny thing. Sometimes, we buy into others' perceptions of us, accept what they say is true, and assume that we are doomed.
I want to challenge that thinking. I assume that people are not deliberately spreading false stories because they have a hidden agenda or an ulterior motive. This is not useful behaviour from anyone, and if that is going on for you, you are probably better off without those people in your world. Just saying!
Some people in our networks will help us become our best future selves. To create the best possible impression on these people (their perception of us), we need to be intentional in our interactions with them. These are the people we can seek feedback from in the future, and we may choose to give more weight to their opinions and feedback because we know they intend to help us be successful.
Pay attention to who you seek feedback from. Make sure they fully support what you are trying to achieve and that their feedback will be honest and respectful.
(Image from Pixabay)
Seeking validation
Given most of us hold fears associated with failure or rejection, it's revealing to unpack this idea. These fears often mean we seek validation that what we are doing matters, that it's impactful and worthy, and that others like it.
There is far greater value in seeking validation from ourselves.
Let me explain. When reflecting on something we have done, a project, a conversation, or a sale, we wonder whether we hit the mark or not. Did we do a good job? We must ask ourselves, what worked well? And, what would I do differently next time?
Other people can be tough. It will be a long, hard road if we only look for external validation, particularly if we haven't been choosy about our feedback source.
Having Conviction
Matt Church is the founder of Thought Leaders Business School. He often talks about having conviction around what you want to put out into the world. Matt says the first person you need to be able to sell to is yourself. It's true! If we can't convince ourselves that what we are doing is valuable and will make an impact, then it won't. If we don't believe it, no one else will either.
It reminds me of the saying attributed to Henry Ford, "if you believe you will or you won't, you're probably right." Whether we think we can or cannot do something has an immediate impact on mindset, energy, and behaviours.
Having the conviction to move forward with what you want to do gives power and control toward achieving your future - whatever that future is for you.
Believe in yourself. If you're not ready to do so, find someone else who will hold that belief for you until you can take it on for yourself.
Surround yourself with people who are there to support you and your success one hundred percent. These people will provide feedback and ideas that will keep you on your chosen path.
Need some help
If you would like to understand more about how to increase your resourcefulness, we should chat.
Alternatively, you could grab a copy of my book Inside Out: Why Leadership Starts With You.