Journey2bloom: Preparation - How important is it?

Have you ever walked into a meeting thinking you were ready only to be blindsided by simple topics you were capable of/should have been prepared to respond to right there and then? How did you feel when that happened? Did it cause you to react with emotion or were you able to step back, take a deep breathe, regroup and respond with objectivity? You may be asking yourself what does each look like, so let me provide examples:

Reacting with emotion is something like, "I didn't know we were going to cover that. We need to move on" It comes from a place of defensiveness and not of one that wants to engage in the discussion, ultimately halting any forward progress.

Responding with objectivity sounds something like, "wow what a great question. I wasn't expecting that but let's talk about it" comes from a place of curiosity and seeking to understand - allowing the conversation to continue with steps forward toward resolution.

You may look at the above and feel like what I wrote is semantics, and perhaps it is, however perception is reality and I have seen countless people interpret each in ways I reference above. It either causes the group in discussion to lean in and collaborate or pull back and disconnect. Emotions tend to bind us to outcomes while objectivity allows us to remain grounded in the present, open to change, open to receiving and open to opportunity.

As I lean in and create a platform for parents to find their voice these principals become a core part of the foundation upon which I stand.

Onto today's topic: Preparation - How important is it? The answer - Extremely! All situations(a meeting, a competition, a bike ride, a test etc.) require preparation. Of course preparation could mean stretching, visualizing, researching, putting thoughts on paper and sometimes hours of practice. Regardless, it is an input of every positive outcome.

Here is a sampling of how one can go about preparing.

Gather the facts: When you reference a topic, be certain to have the facts together. Samples and observations are key.

Write it down: When you write down your thoughts, it allows time to process, brings clarity and conciseness to the words you choose and prepares you for a positive, interactive and engaging discussion

Ask Questions: No one expects you to have all the answers nor understand every word being said in the meeting. When you don't know what you don't know you can't participate! If you aren't sure what was said or something doesn't make sense, ask for clarification or an example.

When you understand what questions to ask, learn how to ask them and what to do when someone replies with an answer that confuses or frustrates you, a whole new world of interaction emerges.

Why is this so important? Great question - When you trust yourself enough to lean into your truth with confidence and clarity you will find that anything is possible.