Fresh Eyes

What are those events that allow us to see our current situation from a new perspective?  Recently, my family and I moved to a new city, Philadelphia, where the landscape it totally fresh and unfamiliar.  What do my eyes see?  My eyes see a vibrant city that has a deep, rich, and significant history.  My eyes see people who stop to say hello, who offer advice, directions, and suggestions just by asking.  My eyes see far more than Sylvester Stallone.  My eyes see an enthusiasm and excitement.  My eyes see a city that is working, as well as any big city can work.  Certainly, there are problems, but by focusing on what is working helps provide me with the extra energy necessary to deal with those things I encounter that are not working.

I cannot help but about how being a newcomer relates to communication training.  This “fresh eyes” approach is what allows an outside communication skills training provider to help add value to an organization.  As trainers, because we are “new” to an organization, and because we are also enthusiastic, we tend to look for the positives, for what is working.  At the same time, it’s important not to ignore any issues or difficulties, after all, this is our job, but by starting with the positives, mindsets can be recalibrated and energies devoted to meeting those other obstacles that can stand in the way.

Sometimes, fresh eyes are needed, not to point out what isn’t working, but rather to reinforce what is working, to emphasize the functional, to celebrate the successes, so that people can rediscover their energy and enthusiasm, and with that face the certain challenges that lie ahead.