I Might Be Two Degrees of Kevin Bacon*
During the worst winter storm of the year, I was standing just off stage, shaking Richard Simmons’ hand. But his eyes were on the QVC order operator staff. Many of these ladies were crying joyful tears. In his trademark sparkly tank top and short shorts, he spent the next ten minutes leaping and twirling between the rows of phones and desks, hugging as many people as he could, whispering words of encouragement.
Off-stage, Richard was just like on-stage Richard. For years, I thought that was him: extremely extroverted, a smiley, sweet, ray of sunshine. The Richard we saw on TV was always the same guy, even at home.
Now I suspect that “off-stage Richard” knew he was still on-stage. He probably intentionally dialed up certain qualities whenever he crossed his threshold and launched out into public, whether a TV camera was in front of him or not.
Intentionally dialing up desired qualities is a great engagement strategy.
Something as simple as a warm welcome at a meeting, webinar, event, or conference can be really engaging to members. But it is not always that easy. It’s easy to get swept away by administrative tasks, by focusing on familiar faces, or even by our own thoughts, and forget our welcoming duties.
Sometimes, before an event, it helps to take a second to think about dialing up qualities that you already have. Turn up the Friendliness Dial from 5 to 10. Double the Warmth. Adjust Enthusiasm up a tick. Turn your smile up from 50 watts to 150 watts.
Adjusting the dials is still you; it’s just you being more you. It’s not fake or inauthentic. You are turning up the dials of your personality to meet members where they are. They are likely feeling worried, lonely, or anxious, and your kindness puts those fears to rest.
This strategy might feel weird at first or difficult. Dialing up certain qualities is a learned skill and one that you won’t have to think much about once you get the hang of it.
How do you want members of the association, chapter, council, committee, club, or board to feel? Welcomed, excited, open, generous, hopeful, or [insert your words here.] What dials can you turn up to help them feel those feelings?
*I met Richard Simmons 30-ish years ago. He was on Late Night with David Letterman. Kevin Bacon also must have been on the David Letterman show, so I might be 2 degrees of Kevin Bacon, depending on the rules you use. 😉
