"3rd person" can offer some good perspective... who knew!?

As an integral part of the non-profit organization; Operation 61, I have been charged with the (seemingly) daunting task of writing a bio.  Daunting?  It's just a couple of simple paragraphs.  Yeah well, if there is one thing I hate, it's talking about myself and my accomplishments.  Don't get me wrong, i enjoy a good conversation about what I am involved in and subsequently, what I am good at.  However, to simply boast about myself and my strengths or talents just somehow feels awkward and uncomfortable.  I was asked to do this bio months ago and I procrastinated and procrastinated.  Now, with 2012 planning and refocusing upon us, it became an assignment rather than simply a request.  UGH... no getting out of it this time.  Given Brad's involvement in Op61, he was given the same assignment.  Why is it that I find it so easy and actually very exciting to help him write and revise his, but I continue to put my own off?
It's now midnight the day before the bio is due and I'm finally sitting down to write it.  In preparation for this, I asked my Manager at work 3 things;
-What is my biggest strength at PEI?
-What is my biggest strength on an individual level?
-What is one area you would like to see me improve on?
Here is his response;

Oh this is easy!

Alicia’s biggest strength at PEI is her belief and attitude. Her optimism is inspirational and she lifts up those around her with her belief and energy!

On an individual level, her determination sets her apart. There is no such thing as a task she cannot tackle, she always finishes what she starts, and regardless of the difficulty of the task, she will complete it.

I would say that an area of weakness would be in her drive to accomplish her goals, she sometimes pushes herself too hard and might need to slow down and sharpen the saw before she runs herself into the ground.

Matt

I figured if I heard it from an outside perspective it would be easier to write about my strengths.  Though very humbled by his response, I still felt at a loss.  How do I say these things about myself?
Matt has been a good "devil's advocate" in my life more than once.  A few months ago, as I was struggling to produce revenue at work, he cared enough to sit me down and say all but "What the hell!"  He was willing to tell me what I needed to hear, instead of what I wanted to hear.  And I was so thankful he did.  After nearly 3 weeks of abnormally low numbers, I pulled my head out and turned it around in a matter of days... getting back to my usual numbers.  Here in this email, he has once again reminded me of something I need to continuously work on... sharpening the saw.  I tend to focus on my weaknesses to a degree that I am blind to my strengths.  I have a very hard time being happy with the little victories along the way because I am too stuck on the end result and the fact I'm not there yet.  Success is a journey, not a destination right?  Yes, but easier said than done.  I don't want to run myself into the ground and miss the fun along the way!

Coincidentally, I received the following email from a colleague at work today;

Like always…thanks for the great set!  Next appointment I get from you I’ll just ask for their credit card because you T them up enough that I’m sure they will just give it to me.  Thank you.  In all seriousness you are highly skilled sister.  I remember when I first came back to PEI after being out of the game for awhile (keep in mind I THOUGHT I was pretty good before)…I heard you over the cubicle and I was like who the heck is that?  They sound dang good and I sound like crap compared to that!  I learned a lot from listening to you and I appreciate all you do!

Kyle Enzler

Funny thing is, Kyle is actually someone I really admire and consider him extremely good at what we do.  This was a really great compliment coming from him!  I've been in this role for 6 years now and have excelled.  I'm in a commission only position and thankfully been able to make a great living at it.  When I take a step back and look at the big picture, I can see, appreciate, and actually say out loud that I am indeed good at what I do.  I guess I just get wrapped up in the competition of it all and so often feel like I just am not doing good enough.

Recently I had the opportunity (with out knowing it), to help a friend shed some light on something that was holding her back in life and in the process, she (with out knowing it), helped me see how I struggle with the same thing.  Funny how God works.

Lesson learned?  Appreciate the little victories along the journey and don't beat yourself up over mistakes.  


Back to the Bio...
How do you find your "role" in an organization?  How do you determine the best use of your talents and strengths for a greater purpose?  Again, something I have struggled to define.  As I sat down to type out the rough draft of this bio, a weird thing happened.  Professional Bios are typically written in the 3rd person.

Well, here's the final product;

Alicia Holdaway worked in Retail management from 2000 – 2006.  In 2005 she took over a struggling Buckle Retail location as Store Manager and increased the store’s negative trending revenues to a positive growth in a matter of months.  

Seeking a change, she moved into sales in 2006.  Since this time, she has worked as an Inside Sales Executive for The Professional Education Institute.   Her primary role is guiding prospective students from around the world through a sales process in order to ultimately enroll them in professional coaching programs.  As one of the top 3 sales associates in her role, Alicia has proved to have great sales aptitude and effective communication skills. 

Alicia has a God-given desire to help others, primarily by empowering them to see their true potential through honest feedback, advice and problem solving.  She is able to address obstacles head on and work diligently to find solutions.  Alicia strongly believes there is a war to be won against modern day slavery and through Operation 61, hopes to use her strengths and talents to fight this horrible crime.  

I'm excited about 2012 and a new focus in my personal growth;

I have made a commitment to myself to view life as a journey and not some destination I'm headed for.  I commit to celebrate the small victories along the way.  I commit to appreciate the lessons learned as a result of making mistakes.  I commit to take the accomplishment of any goal in baby steps instead of getting frustrated that I am not at the end of the "journey" yet.