I had the pleasure of spending time with some high school kids last week.
These were not your typical high schoolers.
They were the “Top Gun” of high school kids.
They were hand picked to represent their schools at the largest Leadership conference in the country. Leadership Experience and Development (LEAD) Conferences offer experiential leadership skills development at an affordable price to students and advisers of the National Honor Society, the National Junior Honor Society, the National Association of Student Councils, and the Tri-M Music Honor Society.
It’s been a very long time since I spent anytime talking to high school kids; listening to their stories, and speaking to them about what they want to do when they graduate college.
You see, I was chosen to speak at a leadership conference. Normally, I wouldn’t get nervous. I speak to companies and organizations all the time, and I coach business owners on how to 10x their business.I have a successful podcast on Itunes, and host my own web-show.
How hard could this be??
Let me tell you something. This was no ordinary conference.
This was the LEAD conference that was held in my home city of Chicago.
700 of the brightest high school kids were all in one hotel, and I was responsible for delivering a speech that would have meaning and impact.
I was starting to feel the heat…
….No pressure, right?!
I’m here to report, it was one of the greatest honors of my professional life.
I learned (2) success strategies from these amazing young adults.
Showing Your Real Emotions is OK
After my presentation, I noticed that the audience proceeded to approach me in the front of the room.
At first, I thought maybe they wanted to correct me on something I said, or wanted to ask me a question.
But then, “Amelia” spoke. She said, “Mr. Hansen, you were so inspirational. I loved your story. Your story really connected with me“…she said this as her eyes started to tear up… As I’m writing this, I’m getting emotional.
It was so moving and so powerful. To be able to impact someone’s life with my story was incredible.
After Amelia, then Benjamin came up to me. “Wow, Mr. Hansen. You have inspired me to start thinking bigger about my life. I’m really excited.Wow, Mr. Hansen.I mean, I mean, I’m so inspired…Thank you”.. This is a valuable lesson that we all can learn from youngsters. It’s OK to show emotions. As adults, we feel that we always have to be stoic and super professional all the time; and that being emotional equals weakness. Yet the reality is this: When you show emotions, when you let yourself be vulnerable, THAT’s when the breakthrough can happen for you; in both your business and personal life.
Asking Questions
Remember the saying when you were younger, “there’s no such thing as a stupid question.” Yet, when we get into adult-hood, we forget this very important philosophy. Maybe it’s because when you were younger, you asked a question that was perceived to be foolish, and you got laughed at.
And now, you don’t dare raise your hand at work, or in your business.
After my presentation, I had a young woman (Amy), come up to me and say, “Mr. Hansen, I have a question. You mentioned this, and said that, and then you also said this…can you explain by what you meant.” I spent the next 10 minutes answering all of Amy’s questions. Did I mind? Absolutely not!
I loved it….
Asking for help, partnering up with another person in your business, or simply saying, “I don’t know, can you help me” will actually do you more good than harm. We are not supposed to have ALL the answers.
When you ask questions, that means you’re curious. Curious people are alot more fun, and more productive than boring, not inquisitive people.
Be a kid again. Have fun, get emotional and ask lots of questions!!
~ Make it happen!
Your Success Coach,
Scott
Twitter: @scotthansen1210
scott@scotthproductions.com
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1ghQY9r
My Web Show: Success Blueprint
P.S Make sure to leave me a comment below. I want to hear from you
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