I have always wanted to attend this kind of presentation but never had the opportunity. I still dream of being a presenter one day. I watch so many of them on YouTube and each time I am inspired after listening to the speakers’ words. It is extraordinary how a well-crafted story and talk can help us dream bigger and reach further into our minds to think differently. The direction of our careers can even be re-routed by exposing ourselves to this experience. Have you guessed by now where I went?
A TEDx conference!
I had the privilege of attending TEDxMorristown 2017. This local TEDx talk was just what my imagination needed. I allowed myself the afternoon to check into a world of ideas and storytelling. As I met other attendees I realized we were all there to dream big together. We all came from different career journeys and were of all ages but had one thing in common that day- we were ready to unlock our minds and be inspired.
We were educators.
We were students.
We were scientists.
We were business leaders.
We were entrepreneurs.
We all had our own stories too. There was a palpable energy just listening to the attendees share their unique paths- how they arrived where they are today and where they hope to go.
Are you ready to unlock your leadership mind to move ahead?
ATTEND A CONFERENCE
Is there a conference or event that you have wanted to explore but haven’t made it a priority? There are so many conventions both related to your specific field and those that may be in areas you are interested in learning more. Research it today and sign up.
[Tweet “When leaders attend a conference they unlock their leadership mind.”]
MEET WITH A PERSON WHO INSPIRES YOU
Whether we have met someone through an organization we belong to or a person who we work with daily, we can unlock our leadership mind by talking with them and asking questions.
- Why did you choose this career or company?
- How did you arrive at this point in your career?
- What do you find most satisfying about your job or responsibilities?
- Did you experience any crossroads along the way and how did you make your decision which way to go?
DOWNLOAD A NEW LEADERSHIP BOOK
There’s nothing like a great book to unlock our leadership minds. I recently read “Shoe Dog” by the founder of Nike, Phil Knight. He shares so many wonderful mantras that have helped Nike grow and excel. There’s also a terrific book on how to balance your career and life called, “Designing Your Life- How To Build A Well-Lived Joyful Life” by two Stanford professors, Bill Burnett and Dave Evans.
TACKLE AND COMMIT TO LEARNING A NEW SKILL
Unlocking our leadership minds always involves learning something new and figuring out how to apply the new knowledge into our current careers. Ask yourself:
- What additional skills or experiences can enrich my career or job?
- How will this new knowledge help me grow into a stronger leader?
- Where is the best place to explore my interests?
- Should I be reaching out to someone for help to guide me?
[Tweet “To unlock your leadership mind identify a new skill to enrich your career.”]
How have you unlocked your leadership mind? What has worked for you?
Great and very informative post. All points are true and essential to understand for a committed leader.
Zafarmanzoor, Sr. Exec. Pakistan
Thanks Zafar!
I totally agree with you on the ways that conferences can help unlock our leadership potential! I attended Wisdom 2.0 last year and met some amazing people who truly challenged my thinking in very positive ways. Terri, I can see you up there giving a TEDx talk…you have amazing stories + experience 🙂
That Wisdom 2.0 conference must have been so inspiring and right up your alley with all of your FBI insights. It is so wonderful to meet people from different industries and types of professions at these events. I will have to check that one out. Thanks so much LaRae for your belief in my storytelling and background. I will become a speaker yet! 🙂
I’m feeling jealous. Look forward to attending a TEDx event in the future. What I love that you’ve reminded me is that I don’t need to wait for the conference to stretch my mind and thinking – none of us do. I’m reading a book now that’s challenging my thinking and I love it. When you discover that what you know is only one way of seeing the world it’s awesome.
When you do speak at TEDx someday in the future, maybe that will be the one I’ll attend… can’t wait to hear your talk.
Alli
Definitely there many avenues to grow our minds and a conference is just one. But this TEDx event was so fascinating. I wish that virtual leadership book group had gotten off the ground but maybe you and I could start a similar one together.
And yes if I do pursue speaking at a TEDx someday I will want you front and center!
Terri