Think, Speak and Do…No Matter What!

Remember being eighteen? Remember having to learn your place in this world? I have included this quote from Susan B. Anthony in my book for Maya, as it reminds us that no matter our place, we are still required to be our genuine self:

Whether you are in your place or out of your place,
think your best thoughts, speak your best words,
do your best work.

– Susan B. Anthony 1906

I was once invited to a meeting of leaders as the newest person on the team. They spent ninety minutes talking about how they were going to do ‘X’ for the top five percent of the organization. I had only been there a couple weeks, so I sat quietly and listened. Before the meeting was adjourned, the person in charge turned to me and asked my opinion. They said, “I would be interested to hear what you think as the newest person on the team.” GULP!

I took a long pause to muster my courage as I had a burning question on the topic. I could have played this opportunity multiple ways, any of which might set the tone for how I was invited, perceived or accepted in the organization. GULP! Even back then these words from Susan B. Anthony ran through my head. I thanked the leader for the opportunity to ask a question and I said, “So you’re planning to spend ‘X’ on the top five percent of the organization. What you are planning to spend on the other ninety-five percent, who are the people who really run things day in and day out? ” Everyone looked at each other…silence. The leader looked at me, smiled and said, “That’s a great question. I’m glad I invited you to this meeting. I hadn’t thought of that. I see that we have more work to do.” WHEW!

We all have experienced those moments when we can go along, stay silent and defer, or ask the burning question. All of these are valid responses, assuming you are willing to go or defer or ask the question AND deal with the consequences of your choice. How we present our ideas and our thoughts sets the tone for how people will treat us moving forward. When we work to add value, move the discussion forward and solve the issue at hand, we are the person people want to see in the room. We all add value: some of us when we enter the room and others when we leave the room. Whichever one you want to be, you control it through your actions, attitude and words.

So, my encouragement to Maya (who graduates today) would be to think, speak, do your best at every opportunity. Don’t just talk to talk, add value. Don’t just do what everyone else is doing unless your actions support the woman you want to become. And above all else, having the courage to control your thoughts – what goes in and what comes out – that is where you truly have the power to change your world. Build your courage and self esteem to the point that you think, speak and do your best no matter what!