Luck Companies, even with its focus on Values Based Leadership (VBL), is still founded in our ability to make small rocks from big rocks. At the basis of the work we do is the product we create. The WAY we create the product is though creating a strong culture of inspired, dedicated, and creative associates.
New associates at the company start their training through our onboarding process that includes opportunities for them to spend a week at our stone and quarry side of the business, known as Luck Stone. Our corporate office associates, many who have never put on a pair of steel-toed work boots, have a chance to be part of the process and learn about what our front line associates do. I recently took advantage of this experience and walked away with a strong understanding of the people who are on that front line. The stories they shared and the passion they have for the work they do gave me the energy and the knowledge to walk into my current role and work with external clients to share our story.
Each of these men I had the opportunity to connect with were overjoyed to share their story, educate me on their role within the company, and share different pieces of their Luck Stone journey with me. One of the men discussed how dearly he loved his wife – who he has been married to for over 38 years. He talked about the way they have made it work and how Luck Stone has contributed positively to their life. One of the haul truck drivers divulged his experience in losing a child and the grief that turned into energy for life. Another man spoke of the legacy that other men in his family have left at Luck Stone and how proud he is to still be working here under his family’s name.
Each of these stories enabled me to gain more insights into the Values Based Leadership Culture we support here at Luck and start to understand the importance of each individual story in the success of our people. But HOW and WHY these people chose to share these stories allows room for another lesson.
With so many individuals in the process of a professional transition, presenting themselves in a positive way is the key to them moving forward. Part of that presentation is having a good elevator speech that highlights the positives. Whether the transition was a personal choice or one pushed from a professional endeavor, prospective employees, and on that note, prospective acquaintances, are looking for the healthy and positive choices one has made regardless of their situation. That elevator speech should be one of confidence and pride. It should reflect a process of self-development paired with forward thinking.
Here are some tips on how to build your elevator speech:
- Keep it short
- Keep it positive
- Know yourself (awareness about the conscious choices you’ve made in your life and the reasons you made them)
- Practice!
How do you tell your story? Have you thought about the pieces that are important to share? Have you practiced? Do you understand it?
I challenge you to reshape the lens with which you share your story – give yourself the best opportunity to move forward!
