Writing Voice: A Day in the Life Sunday

I have been thinking a lot about voice lately. If you've been writing for a while, or even if you are new to the craft, I encourage you to do the same.

I have been blogging for over 6 years and am now accepting that I hit a plateau a little while back. I thought about stepping away from the blog but I could not do it. My writing slowed down and I did not pursue opportunities to speak on the topics I was known for writing about. If I didn't enjoy writing about them, how engaging and impactful would I be speaking about them?

Moving forward, I am committed to not write about what I always wrote about because it is easy or what others expect to read. I am working on getting back in touch with what keeps me going. That's what I'll write about and that's where voice comes in. The whole reason for this post is I wanted to share the most perfect definition of voice I've heard in a long time:

Voice is "the intersection of passion and what resonates with others."

Have you found your voice?

** Hat tip, and complete credit, goes to Jeff Goins.

Credibility Quick Shot

Credibility is the social currency for professional relationships. Without it, leaders are ineffective and irrelevant. There is a shortage of credible leadership today. I want to change that. Right here. Right now.

I have a difficult time working with people I don’t trust. It takes me longer than most to move from trust to distrust. Once there, I don’t turn back easily.

I value the relationship and always look to preserve it. I give the benefit of the doubt. I give second and third chances. I look for logical motives for what appear to be illogical actions. If you look for the leader who puts her hand out only to get it slapped - you've found me.

I understand having a position but I don’t see the need for positioning. I understand having an opinion but I don’t see the need to ever misrepresent the facts. Leaders operate in a world of grey and it is a shortsighted leader who sees the world as black and white and strives to win at all costs. Doing so costs leaders more than the win. And it impacts all of us.

Are you with me?

Photo credit: Unknown