A TOOL FOR CHANGEMAKERS: GREATER CLARITY FOR GREATER IMPACT!
I'm writing a series of articles about tools that I've tested myself as a leader, change-maker, mother, and entrepreneur. I promise they're quick, simple, and effective—and can even inspire beautiful transformations—if you commit to practicing them daily or as often as possible.
💡THE (REAL) PROBLEM WITH THE LACK OF CLARITY
Driving meaningful change is a complex challenge, especially for Léo, who is responsible for rolling out a tool to assess his company's carbon footprint.
He has to juggle several tasks:
Thinking about the technical and logistical aspects of the tool.
Familiarizing himself with similar standards and tools.
Organizing third-party certification.
Anticipating internal resistance, such as power struggles and cultural issues.
Refine its role and influence with stakeholders.
Under pressure, Léo is feeling alone and overwhelmed. His priorities are piling up, causing confusion and hindering his communication.
🔍 THE TOOL: WRITING
"WRITING IS THE BEST WAY TO FIND OUT WHAT YOU KNOW." - FLANNERY O'CONNOR
For Léo, rather than letting his thoughts go round and round in his head, writing is his best ally.
By putting his thoughts down on paper or on a screen, he can gain clarity on his thoughts and organize his tasks. This simple act brings him immense relief. In just a few moments, he can take a step back, discern what’s essential, and regain his inner calm. Writing is also a way for him to bring his mind, heart, and body together and to give free rein to his emotions.
By writing down the priorities, decisions, and questions discussed at meetings, he also establishes a pact with the people he is dealing with.
If you want to be as clear-headed as Leo, you can make writing a daily ritual. Write down your thoughts in the morning, record the decisions made in meetings, and reflect on the day in the evening. It's a way of life that keeps you clear-headed every day.
🐝 YOUR CHALLENGE TO CONSERVE YOUR ENERGY
Hopefully, if you're still reading this post (thanks, by the way), you're thinking something like, "OK, but what do I actually do?"
I suggest two things:
Every day, ideally in the morning, answer the following questions:
How do I feel?
What thoughts are on my mind this morning?
What are my top 3 priorities (both professional and personal) for the day so that I can make the impact I want?
Before an important meeting, clarify your strategy by asking yourself the following questions:
Why is this meeting important to me and my mission?
What do I want to accomplish by the time I leave?
What message do I want to convey?
MY EXPERIENCE
Writing was my lifeline.
In my role as Director of Sustainable Development and Corporate Purpose, the flood of thoughts could be overwhelming. To make sure I didn't lose track of anything along the way, I took notes and wrote things down. It was my way of staying on track and keeping projects moving forward.
Even today, it's my daily ritual to refocus my energies, clarify my thoughts, and calm my mind and heart.
You don't have to be a writer. Just let yourself be swept away by the power of writing.
"Writingis an act of creation, of letting your soul speak."
"So... ready to start writing?"
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Hi, Changemakers!
I am Nina, an impact maker coach specializing in leadership and sustainable transformation. For over 12 years, I have led sustainable change within a Fortune 500 organization in a multicultural environment. Through my work, I aim to inspire professionals in organizations to rethink business practices and help them take pride in contributing, in their own way, to a more sustainable, people-centered, and nature-friendly world. If you want to become an inspiring and impactful leader who engages your team and organization to create a better world, contact me!
