SMART Talk...Conversations That Matter
Recently, I had an intriguing dream. An old friend came to visit, and we discussed his role as the Executive Senior Vice-President at one of the world's largest consumer products companies. Our conversation also touched on the topic of exceptional leadership.
In my dream, he spoke of life, approached differently. He highlighted a few words he believed I should embrace on my journey: Intention and Attention.
You're probably aware that these concepts are not new to me. I frequently write about them and integrate them into my leadership philosophy. Considering that sleep is the only state where we cannot actively change our lives, I chose to pay attention to the lessons presented. Dreams, after all, are metaphors for the lessons we need to learn, comprehend, or implement.
I began to think and research more deeply (and if you know me, you know I'm not about to do anything until I look into it), this thing called intention. We toss the word around a lot.
You know as kids we say things like, "you did that intentionally."
Let's begin by focusing on intention, not as a source of blame, but as a foundation for success in our lives. In the next three blog posts, I will delve into the importance of being intentional with our time, talent, and resources in every aspect of life.
Being intentional involves structuring your life and leadership to achieve success. It means cultivating the discipline within yourself to create the life, work environment, and culture you desire.
Some might argue, "Well, everyone knows that," but in reality, many are unaware of how intention truly functions. Others may claim that we don't have the power to shape the culture at work or at home, that it simply emerges from the individuals present. To that, I would say BS.
Firstly, intention is a matter of choice. You possess the "choice" regarding your thoughts, feelings, and actions each day. Similarly, you have the option of how you will react.
Intention involves establishing a consistent call and response to every action in your life, daily. These responses will serve as your anchor, providing stability throughout your day. However, it is up to YOU to make it happen. You must intend it to be so.
It's important to consider how intentional or deliberate you are with your actions and responses. This isn't just about leadership style; it applies to everyday situations, like when you're driving on the highway and someone in a monster truck almost forces you off the road. You can react as you usually would (I admit I've done this), or you can consciously decide not to become upset. If you get upset, that emotion will linger with you for the rest of the day. Alternatively, you could choose to think, "I hope they reach their destination safely."
Guess what? That second response gives you your power back and shows your true leadership qualities.
What are the characteristics of being intentional? People who are intentional are really clear about where they are going in life. They are judicious with their time, and they typically don't have a big crowd and are private about their world. Intentional people are deliberate in their actions and are able to articulate their vision for their life, their career, their family. They are intentional about their time, their talent, and their treasure.
As the new season unfolds, take the opportunity to reflect on your intentions. Consider how purposeful you are by listing the ways in which you demonstrate this. Contemplate whether you have a clear vision for your life, career, and family. If you do, articulate that vision clearly and concisely. And as they say, "write the vision and make it plain."
And finally, ask yourself what it feels like to be intentional, and then do life differently. I know I AM.
The WEBB Advisory Group
The WEBB Center for Social Impact was created and shaped by over 50 years of lived experience as a Black woman in America.
Focusing on domestic policy specifically, our institute provides a global worldview perspective for black and brown women from the diaspora living in America today.
Using research data, lived experiences, and stories of impact, policymakers and leaders can understand the social impacts various policies have on black and brown children and women, today and tomorrow.
In response to various incidents in our country's recent history, history mustn't repeat itself. Therefore, the WEBB Center For Social Impact strives to provide voter information, information on issues for policymakers, information for community activists, and information for anyone who seeks to understand the social impacts of public policy on individuals and communities.
Attention Bias
What is attention bias? Attention bias is our tendency to prioritize certain types of stimuli/information over others. At any given moment, an individual's senses can perceive countless stimuli in our immediate surroundings. Threat-related attention bias refers to the tendency to prioritize the processing of threats over benign or neutral stimuli. Is it no wonder we have biases related to race, ethnicity, disability, and more?
Each of us individually generates more information than ever before in human history. We take in almost 90,000 pieces of information daily, yet our brains can only filter in about 10 percent of that information. The rest, well is stored in our subconscious minds and often when we perceive a threat we act upon it.
How do you perceive the world around you and how can you understand your attention bias?
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Prayer for the Week
Dear God,
Lord, I AM here. Lord, we are here. We give over to you all of our plans, wishes and desires. Teach us to move in this world with intention. Let us remember that our outer world is merely a reflection of our inner world. Thank you for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. You have asked us to not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. We know that begins with intention. Therefore, we move forward today and every day with intention. Amen.
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