Unexpected winter weather changes invite one thing; it uncomfortably locks coworkers, part time friends and family members in the same room; the same people you’d otherwise run from. Cabin fever isn’t just about breaking free from boredom but locating the key that kicks down the door to getting back your peace of solitude mind.
But what is the best way to approach the bothersome without offending them?
Workday morals and ethics leader Anne Marie Sabbath invites you to pay close attention to the conversations at hand; take mental notes of the talk, talk, talker’s story line then quickly disengage by regurgitating their words. You do this by shaking the persons hand then referring back to the conversation, “It’s really been nice talking to you. I wish the very best of luck with your twelve toed dog Skippy.”
All too often our exit strategies are blended excuses of, “Oh! A little hungry early today; I need to microwave my lunch. Would you like a cup of coffee? I’ll be back! Man I’ve got to use the bathroom; darn morning burritos.”
When its time to move forward take what you know and give it a friendly shove, “Mike, it’s so cool that you’ve already begun an incredible weight loss program for the New Year; I can’t wait to see how you’re going to inspire the rest of us.”
Now that you know how to get out…let’s see if we can get you in. If fear truly stunts our growth what’s the best way to walk into a room filled with people? Believe it or not this is one of my biggest weaknesses. Several hundred motivational speeches, weddings, book readings, radio station personal appearances and I still can’t figure out a comfortable way to become part of a circle already put into motion. I’d rather skip the free lunch at work than deal with stage fright.
Anne Marie has a solution; position your self as a person with a purpose by creating a mingling strategy. Most solo shows enter a room without structure. Which explains why I instantly feel safe once behind the podium microphone. Seconds after saying, “Howdy Doody,” the actor within shines brighter than Rudolph’s nose on a foggy Carolina Christmas.
Anne Marie explains savvy networkers map out their agenda which includes them approaching three people they don’t know, exchange business cards, acknowledge others on what they do and have done then leave the gathering at a specific time.
Sounds easier said then done right? Tae Kwon Do sparring tournaments were the worst for me! I couldn’t be Johnny Joe Ego Driven Radio Dude, such behavior would’ve easily made me a marked man; people always want to take out the peacock with the nifty funky righteous feathers. For me to land the first, second or three place trophy, the mental mission was to physically walk up to those I’d be fighting and have open forum conversations about technique, dedication, love for the sport and what they’d be doing after the brawl in the hall.
Master Harris says it best, “Winning is a choice…so is choosing not to become a better person each day the sun rises then sets.”
Two types of fear today; the fear of shaking off a pain in the neck gibby gabbing coworker, part time friend or family member to the fear of walking into a room overtaken by others and poof there you stand all alone with nothing to say or share. Both situations can easily be changed into something incredibly positive.
The first natural approach would be to surround yourself with people you know; create a posse of sorts like the big stars in Hollywood and MTV. Really? I mean seriously…constantly being with those you love turns them into a drug; eventually the high becomes a low and without notice the show can’t go on because someone you trusted didn’t act or react the way you wanted them to and suddenly you’ve become the subject of a hot new reality TV show where the world is now laughing at you.
If Puff Daddy, P Diddy, Sean Combs was sitting next to me at this very moment I know in my heart that he pressed the flesh before setting his lips up against the studio microphone. When was the last time you made the effort to sell yourself; to allow new people to get to know you? Create an agenda and do all you can to stay away from closing down the bar.
Time for me to hit the can…get a bologna sandwich, buy tickets to a hot concert; that sounds so trashy. It was an absolute pleasure talking with you today. I really hope you locate a page of happiness in the chapters you write. I will always believe in you first.
arroecollins@clearchannel.com
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