Where's Waldo? I mean Denise!

Where's Waldo, I mean, Denise?

My hope is when you look at the photo above, it's hard for you to pick me out because of my youthful looking skin. No? Ok, fineeeeee. It's because I'm only three feet off the ground, isn't it? Yeah, that's intentional.

When we speak with people of any age, it's important to be on their level. Think of a time when you stopped to chat with someone on a set of stairs or in a stairwell. If you stand a step above them, you're looking down on the other person. This infers a level of power over them; that you or your thoughts are more powerful than theirs. Unintentional or not, you can adjust the invisible power-struggle by stepping down to be on their level. Same applies to that of being lower or beneath someone else in conversation. You're worth bringing yourself, and your thoughts, up a level. This promotes a team and a mutually-benefical mindset.

Did I want these t-ballers to think I was going to take bat next because I'm on their team? No- I wanted them to see their coach's belief in them. I wanted them to really hear my words of encouragement. I wanted them to see my excitement for their job well done. You do this my getting on their level.

Apply this to your team at home or work, and I promise you'll see a difference. Of course, don't apply this when you're presenting to a group or leading a meeting where you're supposed to be the subject expert. Try doing so when you're facilitating a group conversation or discussing how your daughter did on her spelling test. Be the person's equal. You can lead your team on the same level, physically.

That being said, if anyone has a stellar eye cream or vitamin C serum recommendation, send it my way. 😉