I was at a training for work today. The first exercise this week went like this:

Groups of 6 people. One person gets to sit in the middle and is not allowed to talk. The other 5 people say which qualities they think the person in middle has. This was done after five minutes of introduction and not knowing anyone in the room. This was said about me:

*empathetic

* quite popular

*sensitive

* lots of patience

* creative

*organised

* open to new ideas

*receptive in the team

* likes to communicate

* experienced

*helpful

* motivated

*has team spirit

* calm is radiating from you

*self-confident.

Only positive comments were allowed. And afterwards I was asked to give my own feedback. Some of these things are easy to agree with. but I am not creative, I am not organised and I am not self-confident. Or so I think. I looked everyone in the eye, challenging them, encouraging them to say things. I didn’t think it came across as being self-confident. I went first too. And during the training, I often spoke. Still, I Don’t think I am self-confident. Or maybe I am confident but still shy. Or maybe I used to be shy but it changed in recent years? I don’t know.

It was the second time I was in a training with the same instructor. And the first time we did a similar exercise. Both times we were only allowed to say positive thing. It’s nice. Brings a smile to one’s face and is a positive appreciation.

How do you see me?

Cathy

PS: obviously that’s not my handwriting – I know how to spell my name 🙂