
5 weeks ago, I had neck surgery (Cervical Disc Arthroplasty) for a prolapsed disc at c6/c7. The surgery was successful in relieving my nerve pain and arm weakness, but as a result of the surgery I have lost my voice due to stretch of the nerve that goes to your voice box. Now don't get me wrong I never had the dulcet tones of Barry White but when your role revolves around talking with people all day the impact is significant.
Not just physically, (which has improved from a pain perspective dramatically) but mentally when you realise how important it is to your role and have no clear timeline of its return. My voice has gone from engaging, and the ability to be varied, to husky and monotone!
For someone who likes to be in control, is naturally impatient and like timelines, you can imagine my frustration levels right now. It is improving each week but not quick enough for me. It's also made me feel more vulnerable than I would like and self-conscious.
But as the saying goes with every cloud there is a silver lining!
So, what have I learnt?
Active listening - I'd like to think this is an area of strength but equally an area where I can always improve. With the difficulty in speaking I have found that I really focused more on what was being said, the actual message and succinctly paraphrasing.
Asking better questions – It made me focus on asking better questions. Drawing more information out of my team and/or customers.
Taming the advice monster – linked with the above. We all have an advice monster waiting to get out but with a focus on asking better questions and speaking less I felt that others could be more empowered and would often find their own solutions. (for more information on this topic go to (https://www.talentgrow.com/blog/tame-your-advice-monster)
More observant – Being on our salesfloor but less active on the phone I have had the opportunity to observe the team in more detail, actively coach, provide advice and reflect on how we can continue to grow together and go to the next level.
It’s OK to say you’re not OK! This last point feels strange for me to write and is out of my normal character. (and a valuable lesson) But the reality of the situation is that I did have a couple of days where I was flat, it was a struggle and I learnt that it was OK to not be OK. Thanks to those who gave me support when I needed it.
I'm looking forward to being back to 100% as soon as possible. Thanks to my Aurec team and customers who have journeyed with me over the last few weeks, had the pleasure (or difficulty) of dealing with my slowly improving voice, have been patient, understanding and supportive. It means a lot!
If we haven't spoken recently then drop me a line. I do a decent Batman impression, Darth Vader and apparently Darren Lockyer (if you're an NRL fan) but more importantly I haven't changed as a person or professional! And you won't get the chance again when my voice comes back!
This article is originally published at www.matthewcossens.com/blog/
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