Thank you for the optimistic, fun question. I’ll share a wish list related to communication, since that’s usually what’s on my mind.
With fingers crossed and with a nod to the power of visualization:
I wish we’d all pause today to answer: Why do I do the work that I do? Who benefits and how?
I wish we’d get better as a species at seeing the futility of judging a book by its cover.
I wish we’d ask more often how those who are different from us experience the world.
I wish we’d remember how resilient the human spirit is, that even difficult change brings important gifts gained only through struggle.
I wish more people enjoyed and embraced negotiation.
I wish more employers prioritized recognizing good effort and offering training opportunities, at least annually.
I wish more people would try a different method of managing disagreement when their go-to style isn’t helping the situation.
I wish more teams would select overarching priorities to work toward and develop tactics to achieve them.
I wish we’d offer praise to those around us more often; not just to the rock stars.
I wish more folks would re-read emails before they hit send and use a brief, descriptive subject line.
I wish more people would embrace courage as communicators to ask the hard questions and share genuine feedback.
Finally, I wish I was a better listener – more interested in what’s being said and felt than in what I’m saying and feeling – more fulfilling relationships! (You’ll find me working on it daily and not just wishing.)
We start every day anew as a communicator. Proclaim a fresh start for yourself and celebrate even the smallest wins. They matter more than you may ever know.
Are you dealing with a career or communication challenge? If you've got a question, write to Michelle@GladieuxConsulting.com for consideration.
Questions remain confidential and anonymous.