I’ve never given a commencement speech–until recently, when I “graduated” from an online leadership development course. I don’t have a recording of my speech (which is a shame because I was wearing a really cute dress) but here is the text of my short (about three minute) speech.
My Graduation Speech
“What shows up when you do?”
This is one of the last questions posed to us in our coursework, and for me it captures the most profound and useful learnings from the Leadership Academy. To answer this question, I have to take a step back and seriously consider if I am actually showing up-not just if I’m there, whether that’s online or in-person, but if I’m truly present.
Am I focused and attentive, and listening to others with genuine curiosity? Or am I making assumptions about their intent and not really listening because I’m thinking about how I’m going to respond? Am I concentrating on the current situation or problem and utilizing my skills to make things better, or am I worrying needlessly about how things might go or how others might react?
Throughout this course we’ve been encouraged to develop positive relationships and demonstrate sincere appreciation for our employees and colleagues, and being fully present is a powerful way to show we value others and their contributions.
Being present will improve my skills as a communicator, and we’ve definitely explored the many facets of and benefits of positive communication. Yes, before this academy I knew that communication was important, but I’ve been encouraged to think more deeply about what communication is. Communication doesn’t just convey information-it connects people and builds and maintains relationships. Communication creates meaning, and helps people feel inspired.
Being present will also increase my courage-the courage to receive and give honest feedback, and to have crucial conversations.
Another provocative idea from this academy is to take measurement seriously as a way to grow as a leader. I’m a runner, so I love measuring things in that area of my life-how many miles I run a week, what’s my average pace per mile, what’s my heart rate, etc. etc. But I’ve never really considered how I could measure things that can’t be captured by my Garmin sports watch. Now I’ve learned that what we measure, we pay attention to and value. Can I commit to giving each one of my direct reports a sincere and specific compliment each week? How would I grow if I solicited and acted upon 15 minutes of feedback from direct reports and colleagues every month?
This academy has left me with more questions than commitments, but I think that’s positive–questions lead to possibilities. This academy has given me new questions to ask and new tools to answer them so I can be a more effective leader. This academy has also given me a highly supportive and inspiring cohort to take this journey with, so I’d like to end with a shout-out to my discussion breakout group and thank them for all the insights and encouragement.
Cue “Pomp and Circumstance” (or wait, is that the exit or the entrance music for a graduation? Well, you get the idea…)
I’ve been debating whether or not I should share my speech because I’m a little embarassed by how earnest it is. Afterall, I’m Generation X, the epitome of snark. Didn’t I roll my eyes as I read and viewed much of the course material?
Well, okay, I did, but that was mostly defensiveness and reflexiveness and posturing (if only for myself). Habit. Yes, I am sincerely snarky, but I am also frequently sincerely earnest at the same time, and after 51 years of time on this planet, I should probably start owning that.
Perhaps more importantly, I hesitated to share this because I feel hypocritical extolling the value of being present. I am so often NOT present (including while working through this course material). But I didn’t say that I’ve mastered the art of being present, just that I recognize its importance. Actually, it makes a great deal of sense that the learnings about being present would really stand out to me (and they were also some of the last ones in the course so easiest for me to remember).
So, I’m sharing my speech–I’m very thankful that I was able to take this course and aspire to put at least some of the takeaways I shared in my speech into action. And, I haven’t blogged in quite a while and didn’t want to let some content that I could repurpose go to waste.
Plus, this gives me a reason (like I need one?) to post selfies that show off my cute dress.
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