Last Friday I participated in my second live lunch event sponsored by The Community Roundtable. During the lunch, Rachel Happe (@rhappe) and Jim Storer (@jimstorer) asked us what we thought the most important part of being a community manager is and to describe it. There were many thought provoking responses. In the end, I settled on sharing something I have learned recently. I share it, with the hope it will inspire you in some way (sorry to those who attended the event – this will be redundant.)
I have learned an unbelievable amount since leaving Ciena on October 13th. I know it does not make logical sense that I would learn more AFTER losing my job, but it is true. I have been spending my time speaking with brilliant people about their work and what inspires them. It has helped me articulate what I want to do next and has taught me that I will be a better person – and employee – if I take my eyes OFF the target occasionally.
That is right – I said, “take my eyes off the target.” We get caught up in processing our daily lives and work, and do not often take a moment to lift our eyes to look around and learn and experience new things. Taking the time out from aiming to hit our targets, allows us to take in our environment and will ensure a bulls eye, or near-bulls eye, hit. Lift your eyes from the target to determine if perhaps, one of your colleagues produces a better bow you could use — more efficient and accurate. Lift your eyes to see if the tip of your arrow is, indeed, appropriately affixed to ensure a straight shot. Lift your eyes to check wind speed and direction. Will your arrow drift off course? I am not suggesting you lift them for long. It is not a time to admire the gorgeous cloud formations passing slowly over-head — save that for after the arrow strikes the coveted red center.
The time I am spending talking to those around me, doing new things, reading more articles and just generally being more present in my own life – has me energized and excited about my next opportunity.
