I Messed Up

I messed up.

And I should have known better.

This summer I played in a Mahjong scramble league. I only learned the game mid summer, so it was a fun way to practice while meeting new people. And much more enjoyable than I anticipated.

One day, a few women at my table were talking about another player.

Let's just say... they all had the same read. And it wasn't positive.

Soon after, I happened to be paired with that very person.

Without realizing it, I walked into the game with someone else's opinion in tow.

I was guarded. Less open. And if I'm honest, looking for evidence to confirm their view.

Not surprisingly, I found it.

Ugh.

I awoke at 1:00 a.m. with a pit in my stomach.

I was so disappointed in myself. This was a great example of me giving away my power. Bypassing my own sense, and borrowing someone else's opinion.

I needed to clean this up--fix the situation. Not because I was looking for a new best friend. It was about my own integrity. My own energy and personal power. I owed it to myself.

Fortunately, I was matched up with her again not long afterward.

This time, I walked into the situation optimistic, open, and with a new perspective.

And within minutes, a bright smile and a cheery hello (one that I gave as well as received), everything shifted.

That's all it took.

The interaction was actully delightful.

Who had I experienced the first time? Was it simply an off day?

Or did I help create it? 😬

Yikes.

That's a sobering thought.

I had missed my own leadership lesson: "Be responsible for the energy you take into the room." 🤷🏻‍♀️

How often do we meet people through another person's lens? How often do we take "not clean" energy into a situation? How often do we underestimate our preconceived notions?

As leaders, it is important for us to be cognizant of our energy — and the biases we carry into every room.

Everyone deserves the chance to make their own first impression.

❤️ Heidi