Last week I modified the words of what I found to be an intriguing Facebook status, and used the new version as a status update. My version read “Share your insight: use 1 word to describe me. (Don’t repeat any words already used.)”
According to the results, I am keen, organized, smart, pensive, brilliant, intelligent, focused, diplomatic, efficient, gregarious, contemplative, energetic, thoughtful, innovator, friend, spirited, believer, son, and minister. Additionally – and certainly worthy of its own category – I am Gregsmithish. Interestingly the only word that was repeated was brilliant.
So What?
As I read the replies I found myself thinking about the word I would use to describe each of the respondents. Recognizing the affirmative power of the exercise, and insight it provided I decided I would employ it at a staff meeting. I provided each participant several slips of paper and asked that each person write a one word descriptor of each colleague (anonymously), fold up the paper, and place the paper in front of the intended recipient. My stack had some overlap with the Facebook list, including brilliant. It also featured many words not on the Facebook list, including decisive, blessed/joyful, and understanding. Interestingly two members of my staff selected the same word: organized.
I encourage you to ask those who know you to share one word descriptors of you with you. Depending on the setting, allowing folks to submit their wisdom anonymously may or may not be helpful. Find at least ten people willing to participate, then reflect on what you learned as a result of considering what they shared.