on - last edited on by
EmilyBilling
on - last edited on by
EmilyBilling
Have you ever been in a plane and listened to passengers talk to one another? Rebecca Hayes, CEO, AICSA
I’ve been on a few planes lately and sitting next to a 9 and 5 year old my ears began to prick up at conversations that didn’t involve a lengthy description of minecraft or my little pony. I love my kids but I just don’t get minecraft and I definitely never succumbed to my little pony as a young girl, so I am certainly not going there now!
Anyway, it occurred to me that in the second half of the flight, usually just before we commenced our decent complete strangers have the desire to share some really intimate details with each other. Unhappy childhoods, violent relationships, location of their home, business plans, family deaths, how they found themselves and the meaning of their life and so much more.
So this got me to wondering. Do you speak and share your experiences, your fears, hopes and dreams with those around you? So many of you hit the LTO at least once a week; do you strike up that conversation just before descent? You are all riding the same Airbus 101G* – do you really know the person you are sitting next to?
I am an introvert, (insert useless fact: it was once believed that about 25% of the U.S. population was introverted but more recent studies have shown it to be closer to 50%). Introverts are often characterised by their lack of interest in small talk – so if you like me then you probably don’t initiate the descent conversation, but as my daughter tells me “sharing is caring”. Starting that conversation, sharing a thought or funny anecdote can open up such an important opportunity for you to help and support your colleagues. And vice versa of course!
Many of us are struggling with work commitments and challenges. We are “ON” all the time, we are wired and we are tired. So, who can you ask if you need help with a transaction? You haven’t drafted by-laws before, subdivided land or settled a business contract. You are nervous and don’t like to look ‘stupid’ or overwhelmed by your job. I know, I’ve been there and that’s why I know it’s important to support each other and if you can, find a mentor.
You are all professionals and experts in your field – but no one knows everything and we are learning and growing all the time – and that’s a good thing! Actually it’s a GREAT thing!
Sharing your issue not only helps you find an answer, but it also helps the other person learn something new, apply their skills and knowledge differently AND develop a new skillset, such as coaching or mentoring. Personal growth is as important as professional growth, they go hand in hand so never pass up the chance to be the coach or mentor if asked – even if it is informal.
Learning, growing and sharing get us up in the morning, they make life so much more fun and they fill our buckets! And filling buckets is important, both your own and that of your colleagues, family and friends. As you help fill their buckets yours will fill too.
Supporting each other is crucial to the success of the conveyancing profession, so please don’t wait for descent – start the conversation as soon as you take your seat; you won’t need your life jacket or the exit, you need one simply sentence “Hi, how’s it going?” And you will take off.
*For non-SA practitioners the LTO is located at 101 Grenfell Street Adelaide.
