How to Be All In

Episode Summary

10 Ways to Communicate You Are All In

Don’t wait until your boss strikes up a new initiative to be engaged. You can communicate engagement right now. The 10 dichotomies are listed below:

1. “I WANT TO” VS. “I’M WILLING TO”
   • Saying you “want to…” communicates you believe it is a privilege to serve.
   • Saying you are “willing to…” communicates you believe it is a burden to serve.

2. FIND SOLUTIONS VS. FIND PROBLEMS
   • Anyone can point out problems. Leaders also propose solutions.
   • To show you're engaged, come up with solutions to communicate resourcefulness and initiative.

3. GIVE ENERGY VS. TAKE ENERGY
   • Positivity and optimism energize others and show engagement.
   • Negativity and pessimism drain others and communicate disinterest.

4. WE VS. ME
   • Pronoun usage matters. Leaders prioritize using “we” over “me.”
   • Using “we” communicates an interest in the organization and mission.

5. WHAT IF VS. WHY NOT
   • Curiosity communicates engagement. Focus on what might be possible, not on what isn’t.
   • Always pointing out why ideas won’t work will inevitably frustrate your authority.

6. ANTICIPATE VS. REACT
   • Engaged people anticipate what's needed and try to get out in front of it.
   • Reactivity requires motivation and often adds things to your boss’s workload.

7. TIMELY INTELLIGENCE VS. SURPRISES
   • Authorities do not want to find out about things last minute.
   • Generously sharing information and avoiding surprises communicates engagement.

8. GRATITUDE VS. ENTITLEMENT
   • Refusing to say “thank you” communicates entitlement.
   • Thanking your boss communicates honor and respect.

9. GET IT DONE VS. NEEDS REMINDING
   • Requiring people to constantly follow-up with you does not build trust.
   • Do what you say you are going to do and if you fail to do so, work on communicating in advance.

10. DECREASE STRESS VS. AMPLIFY STRESS
    • Bosses do not want to manage or solve your stress.
    • Communicate engagement by reminding others that things will work out.

Bonus: DON'T LET YOUR BOSS CATCH YOU ON LINKEDIN