When I was 16, I worked daily in my high school counselor’s office and I always looked forward to it.
During that time I would
● Organize grades
● Enter information into the ‘new’ computer system
● Tutor in various subjects and help with class schedules
I loved what I did! But even more than that, I loved Ms. Hamilton—the counselor. I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for her (more on that in a minute).
The school had around 1000 students. In my class of 350, I was in the top 10 in grades. I loved learning. Because my mom quit school in 9th grade, she wasn’t prepared to help me with things like – preparing for college, career planning, etc. And I had NO IDEA what I wanted to be or do.
The other kids in the top 10 all seemed to have a direction—they wanted to be a lawyer, a doctor, a financial advisor. I felt like I was the ONLY ONE who didn’t have a clue!
So, one day I shared this with Ms. Hamilton.
“I just don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.”
Now let me tell you a little more about Ms. Hamilton. She was classy…always had her nails done, jewelry on, the most beautiful, trendy outfits – which I loved. And even more important: she was always kind and wore the biggest smile!
This is what she told me that day…
“Alissa, don’t you see?! Look what you’ve done in my office this year! I’ve been a counselor for 20 years and I’ve never been this organized or my office run so smoothly! You bring order out of chaos. You need to go into some kind of business or administrative role!”
Wow! I didn’t even realize it!
I immediately changed my high school schedule to focus on a business path, and started working in HR (aka ‘Personnel’) at the age of 17.
Years later, I combined my heart for helping people learn, with my gift of bringing order out of chaos, and became an Executive Leadership Coach.
Now, I’ve owned multiple businesses, coached hundreds and hundreds of leaders who want to grow themselves and their organizations…and bring order out of the people chaos!
WHY do I tell you this story?
Because I want you to know 2 important things:
*How important it is to recognize and leverage YOUR gifting
*How important it is for YOU as a LEADER to identify potential in others (because they usually won’t see it in themselves)
Don’t underestimate the power of acknowledging someone else’s gifting and potential.
What Ms. Hamilton said to me that day was a CATALYST!
God used her words in my life to set me on a trajectory. It was a mentoring, leadership conversation. I look back now and realize how PIVOTAL this was for me.
I’ve even reached out to her as an adult to express my gratitude and let her know what an impact she had on me.
Just think: YOU have the power to do this for someone. And it could change their life!