I start with curiosity, interest, fascination. Truly listening is like receiving gifts: the gift of someone’s trust, thoughts and experience and respect. Be appreciative. My desire to make things better kicks in. An inner knowing that the answer is ‘out there’ makes me persevere in working towards the objective. This motivates me to fill the gaps, seek the detail, build bridges and connect the dots. To make the bigger picture emerge, keep focus on the essence and stay sensitive to my surroundings.
I have the courage to tread the unknown, do things I’m not familiar with and I’m also humble enough to retreat to make way for people that are better suited for the job (yes please!). I don’t believe in competition but in co-creation. This doesn’t mean I’m not selective with whom I work, I am. I use my imagination to envision possibilities and my creativity to build on solutions. I always try and sometimes fail and try again. Everyday’s an experiment, go figure! My awareness that great things are only accomplished by teamwork, makes me look for everyone’s strengths. I motivate with inspiration but also by mirroring back people’s own potential. I always try to remember that in all situations we are both the teacher and the student.