The Leading Edge: An “Under-Estimator” No More
In March 2017, I had the opportunity to share a small part of my personal growth journey with approximately 2,400 other members of The John Maxwell Team. This experience was extra special because I shared the stage, for a few moments, with John Maxwell himself. I earned this opportunity because I was one of ten winners of our John Maxwell Team Culture Awards. Just prior to his teaching session, John spoke words of encouragement to all of the culture award winners. He prayed for us and thanked us for helping him teach the lesson, which outlined the ten values that make up our team culture. Each of the winners joined him on stage to share a short, personal story of how they were living out that particular value. What an honor! What an experience!
Now, you may have heard that experience is the best teacher. Well, that isn’t quite it. John Maxwell teaches that it’s not experience itself, but evaluated experience that is the best teacher. So, I intentionally took time in the days following my on-stage experience to evaluate. I reflected, shared my thoughts with others, prayed, and reflected some more. During that reflection time, and in the days following, I realized that I had been an “under-estimator.”
I underestimated myself because I’m an introvert. As a child, I was quiet as a mouse. Always listening. Rarely speaking up. Embarrassed when the attention of everyone in a room turned to me. Through my high school and college years, I dreaded being called on to answer questions in class. And speech class? Just the thought of it made me tremble! Public speaking was not something I ever thought I would find myself doing. So, how in the world did an introvert like me end up on a stage in front of thousands? Well, that leads me to the next area of under-estimation.
I underestimated the power of my personal growth. Though I am quiet, I love people. I also love learning. I am an avid reader. I enjoy attending conferences and I soak up good teaching like a sponge. I also enjoy applying what I learn and sharing tips and tidbits with others. My journey through life has given me many opportunities to match up my love of people with my love of learning through informal teaching.
Today, I still consider myself an introvert, and appreciate having time to myself to recharge. However, due to the growth I’ve experienced, I also consider myself to be a change-agent in the lives of others. What is one of the main lessons I’ve learned through being part of The John Maxwell Team? Sharing my story is how I can best connect with others. If that meant doing it from stage, then I was willing to grow in that area, too!
I underestimated the impact of my personal stories. Preparing my 90-second story to share on stage was a growth process in and of itself. I implemented feedback from our speaking mentor, Roddy Galbraith. I rehearsed my story over and over again to get the timing and wording just right. After all this, I felt my story still wasn’t that great, even though my story was chosen, even though my mentors and fellow award winners told me it was good, even while I was on stage delivering the story, and even after numerous people had thanked me for sharing, I still thought it hadn’t had much impact. Two days later, during another teaching session, John Maxwell mentioned my story – not once, but twice! I was blown away. Finally, it sunk in. Finally, I believed that my story mattered, that my story has an impact on others!
From here, I am inspired to continue learning, continue growing, continue sharing my story, to continue encouraging others on their journey, and to continue making a difference. I hope you are inspired to do the same. As John Maxwell said in his book, Intentional Living, “You have it within your power to make your life a great story, one of significance. Every person can. Regardless of nationality, opportunity, ethnicity, or capacity, each of us can live a life of significance. We can do things that matter and that can make the world a better place. I hope you believe that.”
About Amy:
Amy J. Malay, Chief Change Leader at Join Me on the Journey, is a certified Coach, Trainer, and Speaker with The John Maxwell Team, and is the Director of Team Development at Ambassador Advisors (Lancaster, PA). Amy desires to be an agent of change in others’ lives and businesses. She helps individuals and teams to identify and intentionally change in areas where they feel growth is needed. Amy has accumulated over 30 years of business experience in a variety of industries, and is well-equipped to serve you and your team in areas such as leadership, communication, team building, and personal growth. She looks forward to joining YOU on your journey!