Conversations – those things we refer to as the seamless flow of information between two or more individuals. But is it really seamless? How do we start a conversation with someone? I will define “someone” here as a person whom you’ve met for the first time – maybe a stranger you need to interact with or a coworker you have never talked to, or even an acquaintance online. How do you start a conversation with this “someone”. Why am I asking this? Because, I myself need help. I am not the shy type, yet to initiate a conversation with this “someone” makes me slightly apprehensive. Even if there is nothing to be worried about, we still are. Is it that difficult to initiate a conversation?
It is the same thing everywhere. I feel it more now, because I recently started working again after a long break. To step into the workforce again after all this time is daunting, worrisome and leaves you with many doubts. So as a new employee in an organization – how do I feel? Let’s see if I can put it in a way that isn’t too depressing. It feels weird and maybe slightly lonely. I see so many differences now than I did before. Not one person approached me the whole day – Was it because I looked unapproachable? Or was it because I was new? I probably will not know the answer now or anytime soon. The only people I interacted with were the tech team, who helped set up my workstation. The couple of other people I interacted with were the ones I initiated a conversation with – which itself was scary.
The truth is, we are all afraid. Fear stops us from doing so much more than we could. What is it that we are afraid of? Perception. We are afraid of people’s perception of us. If I approach someone, what will they think? Am I too bold? And if I don’t approach, will they think I am too proud? Either perception doesn’t really paint me in a favorable light – so I avoid. Does this sound familiar? If yes, then you, like me have something to work on.
How do we get around this fear of perception? I don’t have a quick fix for this one. If you are new to an organization, just walk up to someone and introduce yourself and talk. Easier said than done, I know, but stop thinking about what the other person may or may not think. It was rightly said, what another person thinks of you is none of your business. If you need to talk to a stranger, just talk. You will either get an answer or you won’t. What is the worst thing that could happen? Nothing – Either you’ve made a favorable impression or you haven’t. Either way, you’ve done your part. You were brave enough to take the first step. The rest isn’t up to you.
To all of us who are starting out anywhere, let’s not let the perception of others, restrict us from being true to ourselves. The fear of the unknown will always be there, but maybe with a little bit of courage we can work around it and take that first step.
Thoughts - Random or Otherwise 