I'm writing a series of articles on tools that have been tested by me as a leader, change-maker, mother and entrepreneur. I promise it's a quick, simple, effective, and even inspires beautiful transformations, if you commit to practising them daily or as often as possible.
💡THE PROBLEM: LACK OF engagement
Many of my customers, who are change agents, tell me how frustrated they are with their colleagues: ‘I don't understand. Despite all my arguments, I can't convince them. They don't understand. In any case, they don't want to change’.
Having a coherent, well-constructed message is crucial, but it's not enough.
Often, the true barrier to engagement extends beyond the words we choose. The influence we exert depends above all on the reality we offer to see.
Let me give you an example:
If your manager seems burnt out, overwhelmed and missing out on his personal life, you're unlikely to want to be in his shoes (even if the challenge and status may be attractive).
If they seem to be fulfilled, able to find a balance between their tasks and their personal life, you might be tempted to consider this option.
The real problem with lack of commitment lies in the model we embody.
Engaging others is above all about generating the desire to join us in our adventure, and that comes from the energy we give off by being ourselves.
🔍 THE TOOL: THE LIFE LEADER MODEL
‘BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD’ - MAHATMA GANDHI
How many people have tried to raise awareness by talking about the dramatic consequences of climate change? This is indeed an essential observation to share.
But few people make a long-term commitment once they have been made aware of the problem. Fear is too strong and often pushes people into inaction or denial.
To create a movement, it is essential to create an inspiring story. But this story will only be truly inspiring if the speaker embodies, in his or her own way and in all his or her imperfection, the desired change.
The key to engaging is to become a leader of desire.
Let me explain. A desire leader is someone who :
Reconnects with the life within them, with their inner deep wishes.
Dares to be themselves, with their talents and vulnerabilities.
Contributes to the world in their unique way, guided by a meaningful and ambitious mission.
Makes you want to join them on their adventure.
Inspires individuals to reconnect with themselves and find their place in the movement.
🐝 YOUR CHALLENGE : BECOME A LIFE LEADER
If you're still with me (thank you, by the way), you're probably wondering, "OK, but concretly, what do I do?"
I suggest you take 2-3 minutes in a quiet place and ask yourself these questions :
What's my energy level been like for the last 2-3 months?
How much do I feel like I belong?
When do I feel ALIVE?
Do my missions still make sense?
Where am I heading?
What is the degree of congruence between the model I advocate and my actions and the way I live my day-to-day life?
If the gap is too wide or if you don't know how to answer these questions, what's the first step in refocusing yourself?
Allow the answers to emerge naturally. They will serve as signals—indicating whether you're on the right path for you
MY RETURN OF EXPERIENCE
When I began my role as Sustainability Director, I was exhausted trying to help everyone while challenging initiatives to be more ambitious.
I thought that my role of alerting, supporting and making proposals would be enough to engage my colleagues. In reality, I was tired and stressed. To be honest, I didn't really feel like ‘making the switch to the ecological transition’.
When I started to listen to myself and understand my needs and desires, my life changed and those around me became more involved. I began to offer a model that was inspiring. It was imperfect, but it showed that you can take care of yourself and still have a positive impact.
Someone said to me one day: ‘It's because you're like that that I allow myself to do it’. That was a ‘haha moment’.
My wish?
For you to dare to be yourself and strive for your higher purpose, so that others can do the same. A movement will be born without you even realising it while doing so.
“So ... ready to start? ”
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Hi Changemakers!
I am Nina, an impact maker coach, specializing in leadership and sustainable transformation. I have spent the past 12+ years leading sustainable change in a Fortune 500 organization in a multicultural environment. What I like to do through my activities is to inspire organizations professionals to rethink the business and make them proud to contribute, in their own way, to a more sustainable, human, and nature-friendly world. If you wish to be an inspiring and impactful leader engaging your team and organisation to create a better world, contact me!