“Shoulders back, head held high, arms casually at my sides, and smile. Now, enter the room.” This was my internal messaging as I joined a meeting as a new board member on Monday. And just as Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk: Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are predicted, though I felt slightly intimidated going in, my body posture didn’t give me away and I felt growing confidence and ease as the moments passed. Ms. Cuddy’s “fake it till you become it” has real application.
So, I didn’t stop there. I have been known to binge-watch TED Talks, so when each board member shared why we are involved, I shared a very personal story, a true place of vulnerability for me, which I just don’t typically do or even consider. However, Brene Brown’s TED Talk: The Power of Vulnerability, encouraged sharing vulnerability in “safe” situations to forge deeper and more powerful connections. So, I did and just like she predicted, it did.
I am riding a high from the pure quality of the interaction and my deep connection with this new board. By intentionally taking a positive and powerful pose, as well as sharing on a deeper level, I intentionally positioned myself for a more meaningful and positive outcome. Both Brene Brown and Amy Cuddy’s personal stories inspire each of us, but the real value in watching their TED Talks are their concrete tips to initiate in our own lives. Do you have a favorite TED Talk or an experience with either of these? I would love to hear about it, so please email me: Nicole@womeninthemix.com.
