Asking for What You Want

Jul 13

Written By Allison Pollard

I had a realization earlier that struck me as funny.

I've been holding myself back.

Ok, that wasn't the funny part. It was my immediate next thought:

Of course I've been holding myself back--no one else can!

Who else would stop us from our dreams? If it's important to us, we'll find a way. And yet we stop ourselves, hinder ourselves, make things more complicated for ourselves.

I've had this notion that telling people what I want will cheapen "it" if I get it. Like because I had to ask or say something about it, it's less thoughtful or deserved when I receive it. Whatever "it" is. This isn't the same as not saying what you wished for when you blow out birthday candles. This adult version of not sharing what I wish for is holding me back in life!

Where are you holding yourself back?

Saboteur

Allison Pollard

Allison Pollard helps overwhelmed technical leaders debug their management approach. She teaches them how to manage up, support people through change, and make time for strategic work. Her education in computer science, mathematics, and English from Southern Methodist University helps her connect technical work with people management. As a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) and Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Allison focuses on improving product delivery and leadership culture. Her experience includes work in energy, retail, financial, real estate, and transportation industries. Allison regularly speaks at global conferences like Scrum Gatherings and Agile Alliance's Agile20xx. She promotes women's leadership as the program director for Women in Agile's Mentorship program. When she's not working, Allison likes to drink lattes and listen to Broadway musicals. Allison is a proud glasses wearer and co-owner of Middlegame Partners.

http://www.allisonpollard.com

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