Amidst the bustling realm of professional networking and personal growth, the Covve’s Connection Crew: A Joyful Masterclass for Connection Professionals stands out as a beacon for those eager to forge meaningful relationships and achieve personal betterment. Among the distinguished panelists, Garry Ridge, the former Chairman of the Board and CEO of WD-40, Executive Coach, and Founder of The Learning Moment, shared invaluable insights and practices that underscore the essence of authentic connections.
Garry Ridge’s segment, “Am I being the person I want to be right now?” offers a profound reflection on self-awareness and the active cultivation of one’s desired traits. This practice not only serves as a cornerstone for personal growth but also as a strategic approach to building lasting relationships based on trust, empathy, and mutual respect.
The Activity – A Reflection on Self
The workshop introduced participants to a simple yet transformative activity: maintaining a list of ideal behaviors. This list acts as a personal compass, guiding individuals towards their aspirational selves. By regularly reviewing this list, one can align their actions and attitudes with their core values and principles, ensuring they are the person they aspire to be in every interaction.
Garry Ridge shared his personal list of traits, a vivid illustration of his commitment to being:
- Grateful
- Caring
- Empathic
- Reasonable
- A good listener
- Fact-based
- Balanced in opinion
- Curious
- A lifelong learner
His mantra, “throwing sunshine, not a shadow,” encapsulates his philosophy of positivity and constructive engagement.
Practical Integration for Continuous Growth
Ridge underscored the importance of integrating these reflections into daily life. Simple, actionable steps such as keeping a notebook, setting a screen lock reminder on an iPhone, or taping a note to a computer monitor, ensure these ideals are front and center. This constant visibility acts as a mental reset before engaging in any call or meeting, fostering a mindset aligned with one’s aspirational self.
Collective Reflection and Action
Attendees were encouraged to identify three traits of the person they aspire to be, delve into the significance of one trait, and contemplate how it influences their interaction with the world. The task also involved practical application—identifying 2-3 places in their daily life where they could place reminders of these traits, ensuring a constant reinforcement of their desired self before every meeting.
Garry Ridge’s contribution to Covve’s Connection Crew Masterclass illuminated the path to fostering authentic connections through self-reflection, intentional action, and continuous personal growth. By embodying the traits of one’s aspirational self, individuals not only enhance their personal development but also enrich their relationships with others, creating a world characterized by empathy, understanding, and mutual respect.
This journey of self-improvement and meaningful connection underscores the transformative power of asking ourselves, “Am I being the person I want to be right now?”
Written on 13 Mar 2024.
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