A Better Version of Ourselves is the Best Gift of All

By Helen Vollmer, President, Southwest

It’s all about the gift.  As you’ll read in this issue of E-volution, my colleagues and I are focused on giving, both personally and corporately, not only during this holiday season but also all year long.

But this also is a good time to assess what it means to give the best of ourselves.  It seems that all too often we are more concerned with “getting it done” as opposed to “getting it done right” or “getting it done thoughtfully” or “getting it done to the best of our abilities.”  Perhaps the best gift we can give others is to take the time to stretch ourselves, hone our talents and expansively offer a better version of ourselves.

We all have talents and acquired skills.  We each have knowledge, interests and personality traits that can help our families, neighbors and colleagues.  Aren’t sure what your special gifts are?  Just ask those close to you – they’ll be able to tick them off in a nanosecond.

Who knows?  Maybe instead of quickly snapping off an answer that is at best a gut reaction, a thoughtful probing response would deliver a better strategy.  Or, showing off that dazzling smile can make a point that words can’t convey.  Do you have great penmanship?  Then win brownie points and some self- satisfaction in the form of a personally written note instead of an email.  Good at details?  Help someone organize a task they are putting off.  Got some bottled up creative juices?  Call an unexpected brainstorm on a challenge your team is facing.

At the end of the day, maybe it’s not about what we get done, but what we get done well by sharing our unique, personal gifts in ways that let others shine, too.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Have a safe, happy and healthy holiday.  See you in 2013!