This story just came in from Jeff at Microsoft:
“My GTY story actually started a couple of years ago, but I didn’t know that’s what it was called.
I have a co-worker who is a peer of mine in another group and we work closely on various projects. For a person of her age (she is the same age as my daughter) I think she has a lot of potential and I have always felt she is capable of so much more. After reading your book and listening to the videos here, I realized that she has been and continues to be, my GTY project. It has also allowed me to put a name to some of the things we have been doing.
I realize now that the more I try to help her, the more I have to learn myself (Expand Yourself). It drives me to learn more so I can share more. I decided a couple of years ago to support her as much as I possiblly could (Give Yourself). I have never, ever thought of her as competition, although she certainly could be, but I have never held back helping her and I would love nothing more than to see her excel well beyond what I have been able to do. I certainly know she is capable.
Lately I have been trying to encourage her and make opportunities available to her to help her expand her circles of influence (Replicate Yourself). I know that she has so much potential to be a positive role model to so many other young professionals and I am encouraging her to take those steps. What I enjoy the most is that this is not just a professional relationship. It has a such a deep and personal level and I know that we will be connected for the rest of our lives. I have never been one to have really long term friendships and it is great to see this be a by-product of my GTY.
Thanks for helping me put a name and face to this relationship. Also, you have inspired me to take on many more GTYs. The fortunate part is that there are so many potential GTYs available. Choosing is the toughest part, but also the most exciting.
Thanks again!”
Terrific, Jeff! Now that you have a name for what you’ve already been doing, you’ll see how much easier it’ll be to recognize those other GTY possibilities. Now, I strongly encourage you to talk about this with your current GTY, and get her commitment to do the same thing with someone else.
Thanks for the advice Steve. I have setup a meeting with her to do what you have suggested, especially about creating her own GTY project.
I have Jodee Bock to thank for making me a Steve Farber fan. She introduced me to Radical Leap & Radical Edge quite some time ago when she allowed me to become a part of her Master Mind tribe here in Fargo.
I’ll keep you up to date on any new GTY developments.
Thanks for writing such a great book about such a great topic. Now we just need to get everyone to read it!
Wow! GTY sounds like an awesome concept. I have to have this book!
Well Steve, I had the discussion with my GTY project and she has accepted the opportunity and we have decided to move forward. I am starting by giving her a copy of your book for her to read. We are also going to set aside time at least a couple times a month so we can focus specifially on using and applying all of the concepts you have outlined for GTY. One of our first objectives after going through the book will be to help her select her own GTY. By doing so we will actually both go through the process together.
I’ll keep you posted.
Thanks again for being such an extreme leader and helping the rest of us with our own leadership journey.
“Lifes THE Journey”