These days it seems easy to talk about what is limiting us. We have been in a tough economy for three years, the employment landscape is constantly shifting, especially if you work in Financial Services. And yet, there are a lot of people still finding jobs and doing well…yes, within the 99% crowd!
Last Wednesday on the 1 train I was reminded of the power of thinking positive and then acting on it. There was a 17 year old boy playing percussion on a bucket. Really well. When he was done, he gave a pitch that mobilized the entire train to give him money. I’ve never seen anything like it. He said, “I am not on drugs. I am not homeless. I am not hungry. I am an inner city kid trying to stay out of trouble. If you can give a donation, it will keep me out of trouble until I can find a real job.
Wow. What an amazing choice he made. It can’t be easy to decide to go into the subway to make a living. But this young man made a decision that he would take charge of what he can influence, and that was his selling pitch. First, he identified with his audience. By saying he had a place to live, food to eat, and was hard working, he said he was like them. Second, he framed the challenge for the crowd. Instead of chronic unsolvable problems, he presented a short-term, manageable challenge that the people felt they could influence. And third, he spoke from a place of positivity and gratitude. Rather than complain, he talked about the positive things in his life and the influence he wants to have.
So, this is not meant to be a moralistic post about positive thinking. On the contrary. It is meant more as a To Do list to create more positive outcomes. Next time you want something… a new job, a promotion, a relationship, how about asking:
1) What can I express to show that I am like my audience?
2) How can this problem be framed to be achievable? Then, present the call to action.
3) What can I say about the positivity of my situation and the positive impact I want to make on the organization in the future?
Taking small actions from a positive perspective is a powerful way to shift the tide in your favor. Good luck!