FaithRalston.com

Greetings!

Welcome to Bold Leaders newsletter for leaders.

We're passionate about helping you contribute your best talents.

In this ezine, you'll learn practical ideas to help you take your career and contribution to the next level.

Enjoy!

In This Issue

Bold Leaps Article

Benefit from Talent Differences

It's tax time. I wait nervously in the small reception area waiting for a meeting with my accountant. It's three days before my quarterly statements are due.

Nervously, I clutch the manila folders in my lap. I have stuffed an array of letters, reports, and financial documents in these folders in hopes of looking prepared for this meeting.

Despite my efforts, I feel hopelessly disorganized. Numbers are hard for me to grasp. I don't see numbers. I just hope Charlie can figure it out.

As I sit there nervously drinking coffee, the door opens and Charlie stands there smiling. "Welcome!" He greets me as if I haven't a care in the world. "Come in and sit down."

I follow him into his office. "What do you have for me?" he asks expectantly. I am embarrassed as I dump the contents of my folders onto his desk.

With a sense of glee, he picks up the stacks of number-laden sheets and starts ruffling through them. "Oh Good!" He exclaims. "This is exactly what I'm looking for."

Minutes later, Charlie is deep into the piles, happily sorting and clicking numbers into his computer. In less than twenty minutes, he looks up and says, "I've got it. Here's the numbers you need."

I'm dumb founded. "Charlie, how did you do that? I wouldn't know where to start."

"It's easy," he says. "The numbers are all right there. I just pull them together. This is what I love to do."

I shake my head. To me he's just performed an absolute miracle and even transformed my mood into pleasant optimism.

He continues, "What's really hard is figuring out how to deal with my staff. Now there's a real challenge!"

Immediately, I take notice. Now he's talking about something I understand - juicy workplace issues and mucked up relationships.

"Tell me more," I said, genuinely interested.

Charlie shares his frustrations and the actions he's taking to address the situation. After listening for a time, I suggest, "How about trying this..." Charlie likes the idea. "That's brilliant!" he says. "I would never have thought of that."

Then it's my turn to smile. "I can't see numbers Charlie, but people issues are right up my alley."

For a moment, we appreciate how helpful we've been to each other. "Thanks Charlie," I said as I walk out the door. "No. Thank you!" he says to me.

Charlie and I have just exchanged the gifts of our talents. Calling on each other's talents helped us to reduce stress and make a difference to each other's lives.

Recognize your strengths and offer these gifts to others - then watch your energy and enthusiasm soar.

News and Events

On July 25th, I'm presenting to employees at Ameriprise Financial (formerly American Express) on the topic, "How to keep your feet on solid ground when everything around you is changing."

Invite Faith to speak at your next conference or leadership retreat.

If you have suggestions or ideas, please email me at faith@faithralston.com and I'll publish in the next newsletter.

Have a wonderful summer month!

Faith
President, Leaps of Faith, Inc. and Creator of Play to Your Strengths Talent System

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