It was early in my career, for which I am very grateful.
I was leading the last three days of a five-day training program for US Federal government employees who were mid-level managers newly assigned to overseas posts. In the group of 30, there were a few seasoned managers, but most had under three years? experience managing others.
I had designed the training, which included the development of some case studies for them to explore in small groups and then present to the total group. As they discussed performance issues, I noticed attitudes that seemed different from the empowering practices I was advocating. Keeping my judgment in check, I asked ?What is/was your intention??
The first time I asked that question to a man who was talking about a specific situation he was remembering from his past that was similar to the case study. With curiosity in my voice and demeanor, I asked ?What was your intention?? He answered, rather vehemently, ?to get rid of this person as soon as possible.? I listened and ? and this is very important ? I made no reprimand, judgment, or correction. I let his answer stand for itself, heard and accepted.
We continued. I asked whenever inspired, ?What is your intention? or ?What was your intention?? and sometimes even ?What do you think was their intention?? The most amazing dynamic occurred! The answers kept reflecting greater and greater empowering practices by the speaker. It was as if once voiced, the less empowering intentions lost their power and people were able to articulate more empowering intentions. As the trainer, I offered no resistance, only acceptance of their expressions, so they did not have to resist my resistance or defend themselves.
If I had been writing a screenplay to show the power of asking about intention, I could not have orchestrated it better. The whole group changed. In three days, this somewhat disgruntled group of individuals became a mostly upbeat, empowered group, eager for their new assignments.
As much as they learned, I learned more. Over time, I have come to describe my role as ?holding a space? for others to expand or grow. Instead of trying to get them to learn something on my agenda or to accept my point of view, I joined with them to learn what they most needed to learn. Of course, there were many other principles and techniques that I was hired to impart to them, but this was the most important, in my opinion, and it was unplanned.
This single incident has been the foundation for exploring my own intention and helping clients to identify their own intention. Intention is an integral part of my work.
Today, as you think about your day or an important portion of your day, what is your intention?
Most people believe in the power of intention to some degree. However, too many of us sabotage any positive outcomes. Here is an example of what I mean:
Let's say your intention is to become rich. There is nothing at all wrong with that intention. However, the intention will work far better if the context is not becoming "rich". Instead, focus the intention on what the result of more money in your life will bring: Security, Stability, Leisure Time, Less Stress, etc. Focus your intentions on the emotional outcomes of what you desire instead of, in this case, simply having more dollars in your bank account.
Even with that part right, you may still be undermining your positive intentions with negative ones. Sure, you may intend to become financially secure. At the same time you may hear that little voice inside asking if you are smart enough, do you have what it takes, can you really pull this off. Those thoughts are intentions too! Most people do not realize that they are. You may think you are doing well with your positive intention and believe the little voice is simply your rational thinking speaking up. Think what you want; those negative thoughts are intentions. Too many of them will simply neutralize your positive ones.
You may be dreaming of running a successful Internet business. That is a GREAT dream to have. I had that dream and it changed my life! You may have the dream too. You want to work from home with your own profitable online business. You intend to succeed in that area. However, right after that intention happens, you may immediately wonder if you can actually learn web design, can you find a product to sell, are you a good enough writer, do you have enough time to devote to the process, will your family be behind your efforts...and the possible list of negative questions goes on and on.
I am sorry, but you can have powerful intentions without ever realizing any positive outcomes from them. Every little doubt and question you have about your ability or the process chisels away your original and powerful intentions bit by bit. Little by little your positive intention completely loses its power.
Think about your own intentions (thoughts) right now. Do the positive intentions almost always go hand-in-hand with the negative ones? If so, and if you recognize how detrimental and conflicting that is to the true power of intention, you are already well on your way to correcting the problem. Once those negative intentions are out of the way, the true power of intention can then take over completely!
Both Jeanie Marshall & Steve Weber are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jeanie Marshall has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pregnancy Problems, Finances and Children. Jeanie Marshall, Empowerment Consultant and Coach with Marshall House, produces Guided Meditations on CD albums and MP3 downloads and writes extensively on subjects related to personal development and empowerment.Voice of Jeanie Marshall,. Jeanie Marshall's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
Steve Weber has sinced written about articles on various topics from Internet Marketing, Adsense and Your Online Business. Steve Weber quit the rat race and now works full time from his home. Want to learn how you can do it too? Click here for a free video =>