Elkins Consulting Inc

You're looking for a speaker to address your conference guests in person or virtually?
What better way to set the tone for an event than to have a musician and storyteller as your keynote?

Not just a performer, I offer audiences practical tips to help them better connect and communicate using stories as a foundation.  I present on a variety of topics and thrive on engaging an audience from the moment I am in front of it, online or offline.

💥 Storytelling for Advocacy (Scientific and Non-Profit Agencies)
💥 Storytelling and Your Personal Brand
💥 Why Your Stories Matter in Business and at Home
💥 How Storytelling Can Improve Sales

☀️"𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥, 𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞…𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐄𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝-𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫! 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞, 𝐈 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐄𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 — 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲!"
~𝘎𝘦𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯, 𝘖𝘸𝘯𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘊𝘰-𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘳, 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘧𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯’𝘴 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘪𝘵

☀️"𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧!"
~ 𝘞𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘺 𝘙𝘺𝘢𝘯, 𝘊𝘌𝘖 𝘰𝘧 𝘒𝘢𝘥𝘢𝘣𝘳𝘢

Dynamic Virtual and In-Person Keynote Speaker

Every team can improve their communication internally and externally, and Elkins Consulting can help. We specialize in working with remote teams to improve communication by creating customized programs using StrengthsFinder assessment results, storytelling, story sharing, and active listening as the foundation of our work. 

Our programs are engaging, entertaining, and dig deeply into how your team can improve their relationships by better understanding and reflecting their strengths through their stories. From a two hour workshop, a day-long retreat, or a multi-day event, your organization will find real value and real results following our work together.

"Working with Sarah to implement Strengths Finder as a resource for our team was a fantastic business decision. We have leaned into the strengths and the tools she gave us in a variety of contexts-- from on-boarding new employees to navigating internal reviews, to structuring conflict resolution. We are able to draw from a common language around the best of ourselves to do our work. It allows us to maximize (one of my strengths!) for productivity and a cohesive, positive work environment. We did both an in-person retreat as well as video coaching-- both of which Sarah handled with a refreshing grace."
~ MyVillage Executive Team

Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths Coach

You know being able to share the right story at the right time in the right way will improve your ability to connect with your audience, whether in an interview with the media or a podcast, in presentations, or in the spotlight at a board meeting.

I will guide you in sharing your talents and accomplishments without bragging. You'll appreciate the difference between an epic story and a meaningful one, and when each will be most effective.

Your Strengths Are Your Stories - A Gallup-certified StrengthsFinder coach, I use that tool to reduce miscommunication and tension and to improve satisfaction, innovation, and relationships in the workplace. Schedule a discovery call to learn more about my work with teams and individuals.

Workplace Communication Trainer/ Storytelling Guide / Public Speaking Trainer

Since December 26, 2017, the Your Stories Don't Define You, How You Tell Them Will podcast has had an episode released nearly every Tuesday. That's 160+ episodes filled with incredible stories from people all over the world, authors, musicians, founders of successful start-ups, leaders in every industry, a seriously talented baker, college students, factory workers, and people you'd simply want to meet over a cup of coffee or a beer.

Guests on the podcast have seen significantly increased visibility, which has improved book sales, network size, and a variety of new and exciting opportunities.

Listen on Spotify or wherever you find your favorite podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Bwk56V5neXxjJXk3tarSE

Podcast Host

Employee Fanatix

Guiding others who aspire to be caring leaders to develop their natural talents and the talents of the people around them as part of the Caring Leadership Community. Based on "The Art of Caring Leadership" by Heather R. Younger. Join us!

Caring Leadership Coach / Strengths & Stories

City of Helena, Montana

The "go-to"​ person at the City of Helena. Tasked to create and implement a public affairs strategy for the city manager's office. Developed and coordinated communication strategies for multiple external agencies and internal departments in collaboration with Federal, State, and city leadership and employees. Worked in cooperation and coordination with internal departments and external organizations to increase public awareness, participation and engagement in a variety of City issues. Issues included: Tenmile watershed projects (Red Mountain Flume & Chessman Reservoir with the Helena National Forest), emergency and crisis communications (with City & County law enforcement, fire, and emergency responders), city-wide public projects (public works improvements, etc.)

Connector and liaison for city business, assisted internal departments with public notices, print materials, media contacts, internal City newsletter.

Public Affairs & Special Projects Coordinator

beBee, Inc.

I'm excited to have earned the title of beBee Brand Ambassador through my publishing, sharing, and commenting activity on this new, unique platform.

beBee Brand Ambassador

Montana State Library

The Montana State Library received more than $2.5 million in an ARRA grant and matching funds to improve internet access across Montana, using public libraries as partners.  

Developed all project compliance procedures, including development and enforcement of compliance policies and procedures, project budget review and analysis, collection of data, analysis of data and reporting to funding organizations, researching all compliance issues, E-Rate contract coordination, ensure documentation requirements are met.

Compliance Officer

Montana University System, Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education

Coordination of the $2 million Transferability Initiative:
Facilitated meetings of hundreds of faculty members across many subject areas to discuss course offerings and find potential equivalent courses at other campuses of the system. Facilitated meetings of registrars, admissions officers, and other administrators to identify future processes for transfer and to receive final approval for course equivalencies. Expertly employed a variety of communication tools, including face-to-face meetings, conference calls, and web browser-based conferences. Represented the transfer team of the Montana University System and the Commissioner of Higher Education at state-wide and national meetings. Managed the common course number system database in both MS Access and MS Excel and edited and designed Transfer Initiative newsletters.

Project Coordinator

Fifty percent of the position included work on the Transferability Initiative:
Coordinated and assisted the development of Montana's transfer initiative plan and processes to smooth the transition of students moving between campuses of the system.  Assisted faculty in the development of outcomes statements for courses, and reviewed transfer matrices for accuracy.  Answered questions about the initiative from faculty, staff, registrar office staff, and the public.  Processed travel reimbursements coordinated between faculty, campuses, departments, and OCHE, tracked all expenses related to meetings and participant information.
Fifty percent of the position was the primary administrator for the Deputy Commissioner of Academic and Student Affairs:
Primary communication lead for internal and external clients regarding Academic and Student Affairs policies and procedures.  Planned for affects of policy changes on academic and student affairs offices at each of the 14 system campuses, facilitate and recorded meetings for sub-units in the academic affairs department.  Researched and composed responses to queries on accreditation, consumer complaints about student and academic affairs issues, and all other academic affairs-related requests for information.

Administrative Associate

Park Plaza Hotel

Responded to all requests for event proposals and group blocks of sleeping rooms for the facility.
Created and finalized all details for client contracts regarding all aspects of events and groups of sleeping rooms including: Meeting room needs, room set-up information, catering requirements, negotiation of room rates and discounts.  
Hosted events to assure client satisfaction by: Coordinating maintenance, catering, and kitchen staff, and by being available to the client should any questions or concerns arise during the event
Cold called business community to create awareness and increase visibility of the Park Plaza Hotel and its amenities
Developed two versions of an event planning presentation, one designed for wedding planning and the other for general meeting planning, and offered presentation three times to assist clients in the event planning process
Created a marketing plan to help guide the business toward target clients and to correlate marketing and sales expenses with a reasonable and well-designed budget
Produced, and/or guided and edited all advertising and marketing documents and negotiated with multi-media ad representatives
Created employment related documents including incident report form, procedures for front desk training and other training documents

Director of Sales and Marketing

Lewis & Clark Library

Circulation Clerk

Helena College of Technology

Taught classes with wide range of student ability and age.  Created syllabi and taught; Introduction to Microcomputers, MS Word, Intermediate Excel, and MS Access.

Adjunct Faculty

Sierra Systems Consultants, Inc

Data Administration
•	Mapped historic and current student record, course catalog and course schedule data into Release 7.0 of the PeopleSoft Student Administration system
•	Worked with two related agencies to assist them in mapping their organization specific data.  Facilitated fit sessions to confirm the appropriate use of fields within the database
•	Responsible for explaining the uses of PeopleSoft fields in relation to client-specific data, and for presenting portions of the PS Student Records module
•	Using Mercury's WinRunner testing software, created scripts to automatically enter set-up data
•	Created end-user documentation for the agencies
Systems Support
•	Created help desk tracking database using MS Access
•	Developed and provided user-specific training
•	Developed custom daily reports for use in help desk planning
Systems Testing
•	PeopleSoft Release 7.0 of the Student Administration Product
•	Core team member testing the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) uses of the product
•	Quality assurance on reported problems
Documentation
•	User manuals, training manuals, and system documentation
Event Coordination and Administration

Consultant

The stories you share say a lot about who you are. They contribute to your internal messages, your identity, and your personal brand.

When you share the right story with the right people at the right time, you build the bridge to where you want to go professionally and personally.

Ⓢⓟⓔⓐⓚⓔⓡ
As a professional musician and storyteller, I engage your audience in a journey of connection and purpose, demonstrating story sharing and inspiring them to share the right stories at the right time to be greater advocates for their work and their organizations.
"𝐖𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐳𝐳 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐛𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞’𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬. 𝐖𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬." ~𝘌𝘳𝘪𝘤 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘮𝘮, 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭

🅂🅃🅁🄴🄽🄶🅃🄷🅂🄵🄸🄽🄳🄴🅁 🄲🄾🄰🄲🄷
Your Strengths are Your Stories: When your employees share stories to demonstrate their talents, their values, and their character, they represent themselves and their organization with enthusiasm and confidence. I love to host StrengthsFinder workshops for teams!
"𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐬𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐖𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐬 -- 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐧-𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐧𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬, 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. 𝐈𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐱𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞 (𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐬!) 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞, 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐖𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧-𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐬 𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠-𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞." ~ 𝘔𝘺𝘝𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘌𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘮

𝕊𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪𝕥𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝔾𝕦𝕚𝕕𝕖
Public speaking and interviews can make you feel like you're going to pass out! Whether you're interviewing for a job, speaking at a meeting, or attending networking events, being prepared with meaningful stories and questions to connect with your audience will bring you more confidence and will make you more memorable.

It's been 10 days since I stood on that famous red dot.📅📍

One thing I keep coming back to is that standing on the stage was magical - but the journey that started 14 months before was transformative.🦋

✈️ A week before my TEDx debut:

"I just got an email from TEDxUStreetWomen with the speaker line-up. Bob... I'm first." 😳 

"They must really trust you, Sarah." 😊 

That's the conversation I had with my spouse just before I left Montana.

It took me a few days to process what I was feeling, a mixture of stress and confidence, knowing I was prepared while also being aware that this was a really different kind of public speaking than I'd ever experienced before.

The risk of being nervous enough to lose my place or forget something was high.

Kim W., the executive director of TEDxUStreetWomen asked as she hugged me at the cocktail party two days before the event:

"Did you see the line-up? That you're our first speaker?"

"Yes, I did. And Kim? Thank you for your trust."

When someone trusts me like that, my confidence soars. And that's part of why the journey was transformative for me - Kim's trust.

I felt seen, heard, and valued. 🦉

Her trust and confidence in me made the difference in how I prepared and in the discipline I embraced, because I didn't want to let her down. ☀️

That's the thing about leadership: A real leader knows that people want to do well, they're eager to contribute, and that believing in them and trusting them builds confidence AND accountability. 🌱

So thank you again, Kim, for the opportunity and confidence to shine, and for your trust in me.

Sarah Elkins - Workplace Communication OS Builder

"Connect people to the best of who they are."

💪 She lives her Super Objective authentically, bravely, and sometimes painfully. 🦴 

It's not just knowing the 'why' behind your behavior - it's actively choosing to live in alignment with your values and how you want to be experienced by the people around you. 🧠 🫀 

👀 Because relationships are the key to happiness and satisfaction, and when you're intentional about who you invest your love and energy into, you also become the best version of yourself.

Kimberly Davis traveled across the country to show up and support my TEDx talk in Washington DC... with a broken ankle. ✈️ 🩼 

If you want to build and nurture a community like this, you have to know the best way to contribute. 🪄 

I know my Super Objective, have you revealed yours? 🔎 

Start here: https://nowbebrave.com/

"As a society we put a lot of money into addressing issues after the fact." ⛵ 

Yes, we really do. Even when we know - without a doubt - that what we're allowing and encouraging is causing damage. 🚬 

In this case, Will Maurer and I are talking about screen time for young children. 🐣 

🧸 The significant body of research we have on this isn't devoted to their health, making sure it's not doing damage. 🤕 

It's devoted to intentionally making them addicted. Like candy-flavored tobacco products. 🍭 

⛔ Screen time isn't going away, and prohibiting it mostly creates guilt and shame for parents, it doesn't remove the problem, especially if those young children have older siblings. 📺 

💲 What if we devoted research dollars toward protecting and enriching those young minds? 🧠 

🌈 What if research dollars were used to find the best way to manage screen time by reducing the harm and encouraging interaction in real life? 💕 

🔴 I met Will at the fabulous TEDxBillings event in September and knew he'd be a great guest for this podcast because he started his talk with a story about his own experience with a newborn baby... in 2020 when there was very little support available. 🫢 

This conversation is enlightening, it took his talk (which was incredible) to the next level, generating even more curiosity and insights.

You're going to love this.

🎙️ Listen on my website, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you find your favorites!

https://lnkd.in/gjUyrwUs

"And remember: 
The stories you share about others...
Say a lot about who you are."

Show, Don't Tell: How Your Stories Win at Work
My 5-minute talk is live and posted on the DisruptHR Vimeo channel!

Thank you to my friends at DisruptHR Bozeman for this incredible opportunity.

***You'll want to watch the talks by all the speakers that evening for serious inspiration, motivation, and entertainment!***

https://lnkd.in/gNVfhKFC

Open video: Show, Don't Tell: Why Your Stories Win at Work | Sarah Elkins | DisruptHR Talks on vimeo.com

Show, Don't Tell: Why Your Stories Win at Work | Sarah Elkins | DisruptHR Talks

➡️ "Sarah, I still think about this workshop from when you hosted it 3 years ago. Every time I hear the word 'should' in my head, your voice interrupts it. Thank you again!"🔥

The problem with "should" is that it can come across as condescending. And worse, it can imply obligation. 👀

🛑 In my experience, obligation almost always leads to resentment.

And resentment is NEVER good for a relationship. 😔

It's impossible to be fully present, making memories and meaningful stories if your days are filled with obligation and resentment.

***And worse - what are you modeling for others in your life?***

Join me for a FREE 1-hour webinar / discussion on Monday, November 24!

You'll be so glad you did - for the break in your week, the content, and especially for the support & camaraderie. 💛

The link to register is in the comments or use the QR code on the slide.

My friend Anne Donovan, SPHR did a great job on the stage at DisruptHR Bozeman in October! Watch her video and grab some nuggets of inspiration and insights.

For my #humanresources friends: Karen Elkins Cohen, SPHR MSOD, Joe DeFilippis, MBA, Letha Ebelt, Christy Boyer, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Rachel Rountree, Addie Betancourt, Mary Rutherford

Human Resources consultant focused on employee retention. Using proven strategies, I help businesses retain top talent and cut costly turnover.

A few weeks ago, I spoke at DisruptHR Bozeman, a speaker series similar to PechaKucha-20 slides, 15 seconds each, about a topic. I spoke about Skills-based hiring. I hadn’t presented in that style before and I was nervous. Would people like my presentation? Would they be interested? Would I fall on my face? The only way to find the answers to those questions would be to get on the stage and say what I had to say.

I hadn’t felt so alive in a long time. I proved to myself that I can do hard things. There’s nowhere I’d rather be than outside of my comfort zone. We can all do hard things! Have you stepped outside of your comfort zone recently? I’d love to hear about it!

https://lnkd.in/gHnFZie7

Open video: I Am More Than My Job Title: Using Skills-Based Hiring to Help Your Company Succeed | Anne Donovan | DisruptHR Talks on vimeo.com

I Am More Than My Job Title: Using Skills-Based Hiring to Help Your Company Succeed | Anne Donovan | DisruptHR Talks

Outstanding post here by Teresa Quinlan.

Self-reflection is THE critical factor in healthy, meaningful relationships at work and at home.

How am I being perceived?
What am I doing or saying that influences that perception?
Is this how I want to be known?
What is the impact in my life if I am consistently perceived this way?

The common factor in your relationships with others is you.

💛

It was nearly 10 years ago when I received an email from a new friend about an hour after a phone call. 😳

“…It felt like you were contradicting me throughout our call. It came across as condescending and as though you weren’t really listening to me and what I was trying to explain…”😳

My initial reaction was defensiveness, an internal dialogue about why she was wrong. 😒

But within seconds I realized it didn’t matter what my intention was. What mattered was my friend’s perception. I hurt her feelings, which is exactly the opposite of what I intended.💔

🎬 She could have been done with me. She could have ghosted me and I’d never learn why.

Instead, she offered me a painful and extraordinary gift.🦋

Executive Coaching | Leadership Excellence and Emotional Intelligence Development | Speaking

There are telltale signs of a lack of emotional self-awareness. 

Deflection.
Redirection.
Blaming.
Finding all of the reasons, excuses, and explanations to defend and validate your behaviours, actions, and decisions.

A lack of self-awareness is equivalent to a lack of personal accountability or willingness to consider the information being presented. To see yourself through the eyes of someone else's experience, facts, or observations.

Anytime you demonstrate a lack of personal accountability, which is your ability to look inward and claim responsibility for your part in a situation, we’re seeing a lack of self-awareness.

To become emotional self-aware, you have to come inward and assess how often you demonstrate these signs of a lack of emotional self-awareness (redirection, deflection, blame, explanations of defense).
Then you need to practice the opposite.

Ownership.
Responsibility.
Objectivity.

It is the unexamined emotional self that is ruining your own wellbeing, your own self-regard and esteem, your relationships with others, and your ability to make sound decisions.

#emotionalintelligence
#iqeqtq
#selfawareness

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