At Microsoft we have implemented a habit called the “check in”. This habit consists of two primary questions “what am I feeling?” and “what might be distracting me?”
Often, we include a third question, but it always changes depending on the context and owner of the meeting.
In an event I was hosting we had the third question as “who am I?”
I checked in and shared my answers and then sat down. The rest of the group was checking in and it was eating at me that I left out an important part of who I am. I told the facilitators about my wrestling, and they invited me to share my thoughts with the larger group. If felt like the right thing to do.
You see, at Microsoft we talk about something called covering. Covering is when you cover or choose not to disclose something for fear of retaliation, judgment, or any other negative outcome. I told the group that I was covering when I first did my check-in, and it didn’t feel right. I shared with them that I am a deeply religious person, and it is a lens by which I see the world. I am a son of God and was born to teach and help people become better.
It took courage for me to share with complete strangers what I felt and who I am. Afterwards, I felt relieved and light. I had integrity with myself and could move to a better version of myself.
Courage is the catalyst for growth.
Write down one thing you can do to demonstrate courage this week. This courageous act will enable progress for you.
