Issue 063: Are You a Changemaker?
Can one person be a changemaker? This six-word question can ignite various negative and positive responses.
Last week I had a call with a conference chair from a leading healthcare system looking for an inspiring presentation, yet it had to be fun with learning objective takeaways, too. (Yes, I have the right keynote to hit each point.) As we were diving into organizational challenges, I shared one story that resonated.
“I’m so sorry, Mj. Unfortunately, we have to reschedule you. The one part of the machine that we need for your session is down,” said Brittany, a skilled radiology technician who usually had a never-ending smile. “This shouldn’t keep happening,” she added. “I’ll call you if we can get it fixed today.”
It was 7:20 a.m., and the second time in two weeks the machine I called Buzz was down. As she stood there, her shoulders slumped, and her facial features showed her fatigue. With sessions booked every 10 minutes, the radiology department would be under intense pressure. “It’s okay, Brittany. I can come back. I’m not far.”
After Brittany called with a new time, I stopped at Oakmont Bakery, a favorite in Pittsburgh, to get two dozen cupcakes to cheer up the staff. When I gave Brittany the cupcakes, her eyes watered. “We should be giving you cupcakes,” she said, hugging me (pre-pandemic). “But you know what, it’s party time.”
She hurried into the private areas and came out with a fanny pack around her waist, a party hat on her head, and colorful beads around her neck. She handed out her fanny pack stash to staff and guests, aka patients. The waiting room atmosphere changed as people looped the beads around their necks, and to see a giant of a man who looked like a former professional football player wearing yellow beaded necklaces made others laugh and join in. The staff that looked downtrodden hours earlier joined Brittany’s impromptu party.
Brittany could’ve accepted the cupcakes, and that could’ve been the end of it. Britney wasn’t afraid to take a leadership role. She didn’t hesitate to do something out of the ordinary at that moment. Brittany took action. She used creativity to change the atmosphere and everyone’s day. She embraced her “Brittany Factor” and became a changemaker. Brittany bounced-up!
Bounce-Up™ Momentum Builders
Have you watched a “Brittany” in action?
Is there a time when implementing the “Brittany Factor” could’ve changed the atmosphere?
How can you increase your “Brittany Factor” to be a changemaker?
Mj Happenings
I’ve shared how Chatham University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurship has impacted my business. I’m thrilled to be a panelist for the 7.9.21 Women’s Business Leaders Virtual Breakfast Series. Register here: https://www.chatham.edu/cwe/networking/breakfastseries/
A magazine founded by global changemaker Arianna Huffington interviewed me. I’m thrilled as I got to meet Arianna when we presented at the same conference. Will give details soon.
Until next time, Play-Up, Power-Up, and Bounce-Up™
Mj
