Saturday, October 31, 2009

OPEN

OPEN: Opportunities … 4 … People … 2 … Encourage … Newcomers

I am a relatively shy person by nature so I am discovering writing is a way for me to connect with people in a whole new way. When I am in a public setting, especially if it is new situation for me, I find it a bit of a challenge to take the first step and introduce myself. For me being a newcomer is hard. I know, however, that if I remain on the sidelines, then that is likely where I will stay. So are there ways to make that "first step" easier?

One way for us all to move forward is to be OPEN. Can we be on the lookout for OPPORTUNITIES for helping PEOPLE (including ourselves) to ENCOURAGE someone who is a NEWCOMER? As we recognize the value of connecting with people can we be proactive in how we help others connect and "feel part of the group"? When we "welcome someone in" it is so much easier for them to move forward from that starting point. So the challenge for me is to be the "welcomer" and help get the relationship started.

Are you OPEN to helping the NEWCOMER? Can you be the person for them who is willing to take the "first step"? Think of the conversations and learnings that await when we have an OPEN mindset.

Signing off for now - LD Guy from MN

1 comment:

  1. Greetings fellow shy person. Sometimes "newcomers" need to "hide" for a little while. We can be helpful by respectfully "hovering", ever-ready to encourage that first tiny step into the new activity or community. As you take this step of writing as a means to connect, let me offer my hand and say ever so subtly, "WHERE'S THE BOOK!" :) Sorry, I couldn't resist. Thanks for your work.

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