What It Means to Shift From “A” to “The”
The Keynote Speaker Ryan Avery wrapped up the Tennessee Broadband Association (TNBA) Annual Convention & Showcase general session by discussing with attendees how to go from “a” to “the” in their professional lives. For example, he says, don’t be “a broadband provider,” be “the broadband provider.” Avery says how providers communicate makes all the difference.
He has spoken to groups from a variety of industries, but he says TNBA’s “connectability” really stood out to him. He notes that people introduced themselves by name and stood up to greet him.
“You made me feel like I wasn’t a number, that I was a human,” Avery says. “You made me feel really connected.”
He shares valuable insights on how to instantly improve leadership and communication with a few simple questions.
- What can I do to support you now?
- Who do you know that I should know?
- What do you see in me I should do more of, less of, and the same amount of?
- Who do I want to be?
- Who should you stop listening to?
And just because something has served us, doesn’t mean it serves us. Lastly, he mentions how different generations interact and how that shapes who we are, how we receive information and how we share information.
Avery told us that as he’s entered a new period in his life, his motivations have changed. “My kids motivate me,” he says. “My glass is full. Now, I have the opportunity to pour my feelings into others’ cups. That is a really cool feeling that people are willing to listen to my strategies and stories so I can help them.”