At the heart of our organization, our Core Values form the acronym GROWTH:
- Get It Done
- Respect Everyone
- Own The Outcome
- Work Hard, Play Hard
- Trust and Be Trusted
- Help Others
We encourage everyone to explore areas where they feel driven to grow and to share their discoveries. As part of our commitment to continuous learning, the ISTS Executive Team recently completed a course on Positive Intelligence by Shirzad Chamine. Inspired by the powerful insights from this course, we introduced the book to our team, followed by monthly deep-dive sessions to further explore these ideas.
It’s intriguing to observe the varied responses to these concepts. While some employees are quickly embracing and exploring how these ideas can enhance their experiences, others remain hesitant and even critical. According to Chamine, this difference lies in how we process our thoughts and experiences. Positive responses stem from what he calls our “Sage” mindset, while negative reactions are the work of our “Saboteurs.”
As I reflect on this, I notice my own initial judgments towards those resistant to the material. Yet, by pausing and envisioning each person as their inherently wonderful self, my perspective shifts from judgment to genuine curiosity about their experiences. I’ve learned that true leadership is about inspiring through actions rather than coercing through demands.
In practicing my own growth mindset, I now take extra moments to appreciate the simple things – savoring a meal, admiring a tree or imagining the person who cut me off in traffic as a playful two-year-old. These moments help me experience life through a “Sage” lens, making everyday interactions more fulfilling.
– Becky Sharpe, CEO
