So often in our quest to create meaningful change, it’s easy to forget about the contribution of the seemingly simpler aspects of our work, like how our daily actions and presence in the world contributes to the change itself.
A number of years ago, I helped develop a series of trainings on being an ambassador in our work. The idea was that ultimately, whether we realize it or not, we each wind up serving as an ambassador – a representative – for the
topic, group, organization or coalition we are involved with or work for.
How we act, what we say, how we say it – how we simply show up in our dealings with partners or the public – reflects back not just on us as individuals but on the organization or group as a whole. A positive interaction with an individual can create a positive impression of the organization; a negative interaction can leave lasting damage.
The idea of the trainings was to foster a greater sense of ownership
about taking on that representative or ambassador role in all
interactions with the public – seeing that every interaction is part of
what creates a reputation, positively or negatively. It’s a basic
customer service principle, but one that can often be forgotten or
neglected.
Acting as an ambassador, we can embody the changes we are working
towards. While some of the ends that we are working towards may be
years in the making, our daily actions do make a difference in modeling
what we value and what we are passionate about.
What do you think?
How do your daily actions help add up to the bigger picture you’re working towards?