Read on Twitter
""23 things I didn't learn in college / grad school":
#9:
Put your hand up
.
#9:
Put your hand up
.
This is equal parts:
eagerness (to participate enthusiastically, or what @angeladuckw would call "zest");
initiative;
volunteering (to be less selfish, to do things that "someone should do");
embracing vulnerability (not standing on the sidelines).
eagerness (to participate enthusiastically, or what @angeladuckw would call "zest");
initiative;
volunteering (to be less selfish, to do things that "someone should do");
embracing vulnerability (not standing on the sidelines).
The opposite of this quality is indifference.
Indifference (or worse, passive-aggressive behavior) is certainly toxic, but here I am also urging you to avoid the "quiet genius" model.
Indifference (or worse, passive-aggressive behavior) is certainly toxic, but here I am also urging you to avoid the "quiet genius" model.
We all admire the quiet genius who goes about their work and does nothing to build fellowship around their team, work group, professional community, or any cross section of these.
That genius is selling themselves short.
That genius is selling themselves short.
A common refrain is: "I'm shy / introverted"
Fortunately -- like mindfulness or curiosity -- you can practice zest and initiative intentionally.
"Putting yourself out there" regularly in small ways teaches you to deal with criticism or failure graciously.
Fortunately -- like mindfulness or curiosity -- you can practice zest and initiative intentionally.
"Putting yourself out there" regularly in small ways teaches you to deal with criticism or failure graciously.
The teammate who starts a reading group shows initiative; the first speaker shows zest and embraces vulnerability.
The active Tweeter, newsletter writer, professional society chapter founder -- the list is endless.
They all seek a better community and are willing to work for it
The active Tweeter, newsletter writer, professional society chapter founder -- the list is endless.
They all seek a better community and are willing to work for it
One long-term benefit of practicing initiative and zest is that when an opportunity arises for a role with increased responsibility, you know how to ask for it.
Leadership begins -- at a microscopic level -- with enthusiastic participation, volunteering, and initiative.
Leadership begins -- at a microscopic level -- with enthusiastic participation, volunteering, and initiative.
