Values and Whispering "I love this"!

Women Docs work hard and keep a fast pace, we are not used to sitting down and thinking about what is important to us. Taking time to focus is key

She whispered to me from the front row of the auditorium, “I love this”...

As a speaker, to both large and small audiences, I always wonder if my material is helping others, bringing them new resources or new insights into a long term challenge. This particular event was a 300 person departmental annual retreat. I was so honored to be the keynote to this special day. This was a big day as docs and nurses don’t get a lot of days off for retreats, as they say “healthcare is 24/7” so many folks in the audience were post-call or would be on call that night. I had prepared a 90 minute presentation and multiple breaks for time to think, write and interact. During this particular exercise I had prepared a core value exercise. It starts with long lists of values and over the exercise you need to narrow it down to just 5. It is super tough and also super interesting which words remain on the list. You have to choose what speaks to you, what drives you and what helps you make decisions each and every day. We were working on the value exercise and I do recall how the room was silent, 300 people were all working on this exercise from department chairs, directors, docs and nurses and administrators. They were each taking time to check in personally and determine their current list of values. Values have been described to me as; “one’s line in the sand” that quality that you cannot get over or cross. It is important to you. It helps you say yes or no each day. It is clear when it is crossed, it is not OK with you. Well, here we were in the quiet period and this doc looked up to me and whispered to me, “ I love this”. She looked like she might cry. I know how taking some time to check in with yourself and determine what is important to you can really “hit deep”. It is important to know what is going on now. It is important to know your current core values. It is important to take a few quiet moments as typically healthcare workers are busy and working on full tilt their whole shift!

I cannot say I ever had anyone whisper to me like that in a presentation. It was a beautiful sacred moment between us in a crowded room. It made all the prep and all the time to deliver it so worth it. I love connecting with others and helping them shine a light on their gifts and strengths so they can live fully as this world needs us all using our gifts and strengths.

I am now preparing for 3 talks at the AAN, 2 at CMSC and a new invitation for another talk came yesterday. I love the process of thinking about the audience, where are they today, what is their current challenge, what did they just come from, where are they headed next? I try to adjust the topics of the talk to meet their needs. I start to prepare for a talk usually on a walk, I let my brain be open and consider the audience. I love being a bridge to others with resources that may help their days.

Who is a speaker you recently heard that did an amazing job? Their talk was impactful and thoughtful. I would love to keep learning from the intentional speaker that provides gifts to their audience. Please share the name of a recent wonderful speaker. Thanks so much for sharing!

Mary

thebrainfresh@gmail.com

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