Your Picture, Your Vision, Your Image Is a Thousand Words
No, it is not that selfie you just snapped. What you picture, what you think or say about a picture will create the path that you follow. What is your picture?
Many of us have a camera in our hand or within arm’s reach. We snap photos of people, buildings, animals, and other cool things. Every photo tells a story, but is it a true story?
The Client
A few years ago, I was about to engage with a client and decided to browse their website to learn a little more about them.
Of course, I saw pictures and their logo. I read catchy slogans and about how they please customers. There were testimonials and expressions of longevity.
Then I watched their corporate video. Indeed, it was impressive. In the video happy employees were working hard.
The video included short clips as the videographer toured the facilities. There were drone shots, employee picnics and charity events. There was even a run through the woods to illustrate fitness and stress release.
Later, but before my first engagement, I privately asked my contact if I could ask a tough question. I suggested it would be important for my engagement with them and that it would guide what I delivered.
The response was, “Certainly, yes, please go ahead.”
I asked, “I noticed your video on your website. Is that culture, the culture it illustrates, is that real?”
The next words spoken by the contact were, “Hang on a minute. Let me close my door.”
I don’t think I need to explain what happened next. Honestly, I was disappointed. The video was a masterpiece, but it was more art than it was reality.
Your Picture
As you browse the pictures in your home, the pictures in your social media feed, or the pictures in the customer entrance of your workplace, ask yourself, “Are they real?”
Be honest, it is important for everything that happens next.
There is a good chance there is more work to be done.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
