She was so nervous. We knew she was prepared. She knew the stakes here high. As she launched into her pitch, stress caused her to stumble over her words. She backtracked. She repeated. And then she finished.
Last week I had the pleasure of participating in a variation of Dragon’s Den. It’s part of a program designed to help people re-entering the workforce to prepare to crush interviews. It’s a tough goal for people who feel rusty and out-of-touch with the way workplaces have changes.
At the end of the program which focuses on resume building, social media presence, and interview skills, participants enter the Grizzly Den. Instead of pitching products, individuals pitch themselves – their career objectives and strengths. In one and a half minutes they must convince a panel of experienced professionals like me that they are ready to go out and begin meeting potential employers.
After this young lady’s pitch, the panel convened alone to discuss how she did. Sure, she had some issues, but she clearly knew her stuff and presented herself clearly. We collectively decided to endorse her. Getting that final endorsement is a big deal – it’s a requirement for graduation.
The moderator invited her back in and we gave her the good news. The tears began – tears of joy! All of that work, waiting for a verdict, and then the joy of affirmation were too much to contain.
Change is like that. It’s stressful. It triggers an emotional response: Terror, tears, and triumph. Leaders of change have to be ready to affirm our people, regardless of how they feel.
Thoughtfully yours,
Jeff Skipper
