As we say at InspireMe, everyone has a story to share and inspirational moments every day that help shape and define a person. But our quest for getting content is not always an easy one. Despite living in GCC for close to decade, perhaps I’ve been naive. People for some reason, do not always like to share – and I am talking about people through my network.
The most amusing response I get from some people is “I have done nothing inspirational – I am not inspired by anything I have done. There is really nothing to share”. I suggest individuals need to spend time self-reflecting – life is about a string of potentially ‘inspirational moments’. I could literally reel off 20 moments through my 3 decades in business that have helped define me. This is about self-awareness and realisation.
Now I’ve even made it easy for them. My 38 years in UK and my proud ‘B Grade’ in English GCSE has helped make me a dab hand at write ups. “Just send me a voice note..” I tell potential contributors. I will do the hard graft for you. Sure, no problem. Then you wait. And wait. Yes, life is busy and everyone has priorities. But deep down I sense some mental resistance from people. “I do not want any sensitive company data – in fact, you can avoid your current place of work as an example if that is a concern”. I often guide people on what we are looking for and make it easy for them to contribute.
Then again… tumble weed.
I had a great call a few weeks ago with a gentleman we hope to collaborate with and we discussed this exact point – people’s ‘resistance to share’. There were some fascinating insights that we discussed. People in developing regions are often constrained by this ‘subconscious colonial mindset’. The big issue we see – is people do not feel ‘Empowered’. There is an inherent ‘fear factor’ in the back of their minds. They like to keep things to themselves and do not want to put their head above the parapet.
What if my employers see this? What if they think I am looking for another job? What if they do not approve of what I wrote? This is a matter of individuals taking control and having confidence in their personal achievements and understanding how something they share, could have an impact on others. It isn’t about sharing corporate information. It could even be an every day story not related to work or business.
Overall, this really helped the penny drop for me. As we talk about ‘changing mindsets’ as an ambition. Well, this is what we are trying to do.
Right now, the ‘push’ is on – to get more engaging stories so we can share with each other and keep learning and Inspiring. And I hope in years to come (God willing), when we achieve our 500th or 1000th story, to look back and say, maybe we did help change a mindset or two. And have an influence on some business cultures, where people feel a little more empowered.
As I used to tell my children when they were toddlers – Sharing is Caring. And at InspireMe. That is what we want to do.
