Accidental Authenticity is the Best Kind
A strange thing has happened.
While composing my own newsletter, This Is Not What I Expected, the other day – a publication theoretically unrelated to Momentum Consulting – I realized I was unconsciously writing about authenticity in a very Momentum-y way.
I was discussing an instance in which I felt uncomfortable being my whole self, telling a personal story, and setting it free in the wilds of the internet. Without ever using the words “authenticity” or “vulnerability,” I was living Momentum’s concepts of them. I was being authentic by boldly writing about how vulnerable I felt being completely authentic. My personal and my work worlds had merged when I wasn’t looking.
This is, at the core, why I feel so good about working here. The consultants not only coach people in how to be their authentic selves and allow that to benefit them in the workplace, but they live it every day. They create an environment in which, even when I feel uncomfortable with myself, I know I won’t be judged or penalized. It truly feels safe to speak up here; it honestly feels okay to be my full self.
I’m reflecting on this now because soon, I will be moving on.
April is my last month with Momentum, and in this post, I wanted to express exactly why my time here has felt so pivotal and significant, both personally and professionally. There are so many little things that I will miss:
Marlene’s smile and her way of forging through and getting things done no matter the challenges. If you need someone to overcome, Marlene is the one.
Craig’s ability to relax and pull us out of the detail weeds, in which I tend to occasionally get lost, and back into the big-picture.
Martha Lynn’s serene countenance and that thing she says – “Allow each person the dignity of their own process.” – that I think about daily.
Brett’s kindness and his thoughtful approach to everything from people to blog posts, which somehow meshes nicely with his ability to write a vividly gruesome, Stephen King-worthy horror scene.
Tracey’s way with words – so succinct, so accurate and so elegant. Reading her posts is editorial music to my ears. She is a details person who doesn’t lose the thread of her main point ever.
Caitlynrose’s fresh perspective and willingness to stand by her ideas. I felt the creative energy wafting off of her when we crowded next to each other to share a computer screen for Zoom calls. Hopefully, it rubbed off on me.
All of the animals – the many dogs and one bunny – Momentum brought into my life. Canine coworkers have a way of keeping things in perspective. No business problem is that serious in the face of joyful doggie eyes and waggy tails.
My position here as keeper of the blog, newsletter, social media and all of Momentum’s content will be assumed by Katrina Fajardo over the next couple of weeks. She is a lightning-fast study in Momentum’s processes and, two weeks in, has already tweaked some things to work more smoothly. I’m not being hyperbolic when I say she amazes me.
This week's fundamental is “Assume Positive Intent:”
Work from the assumption that people are good, fair and honest. Set aside your own judgments or preconceived notions and give people the benefit of the doubt. Look for the positive intent in their actions and communications.
It gives me warm fuzzy feelings when I read it because, at Momentum, I’ve felt this fully – both positive intent from my coworkers and the sense they assume mine is positive as well. This fundamental is so baked into what Momentum is, and who I am, I feel like it goes without saying. I’m like, “Well, of course! That’s obviously the best approach to life.” The difference at Momentum is here they say it anyway. And they keep saying it and living it, so we don’t forget.
Thank you, everyone. Being a part of Momentum has been a transformative experience and made me more effective at all my roles – writer, editor, project manager, partner, and parent. Wherever I go next, those people will be lucky y’all got your hands on me first.
Grateful to have been here,
Fundamental of the Week #24: ASSUME POSITIVE INTENT
Work from the assumption that people are good, fair, and honest. Set aside your own judgments or preconceived notions, and give people the benefit of the doubt. Look for the positive intent in their actions and communications.
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