I believe in the power of reflection and learning from my experiences. I was recently asked in an icebreaker, what was your first job? And that got me thinking, what did I learn from that job?

I was 13 years old when I started at Tim Hortons; a quintessential ‘first gig’ staple for the average small town Ontario kid. There was no interview process. I walked in, expressed my interest and they asked me when I could start; that was it.

This post is not about me sharing the little seedlings that sparked what is now my method for Owning The Interview BUT I did learn a few foundational lessons that I’ve taken with me throughout my career.

While these lessons wouldn’t be shocking to you, I loved reminiscing and wanted to share one lesson that is etched in my memory; lead by example.

I distinctly remember working my first shift or two when one the owners of the franchise showed me how to grease muffin tins. While this may sound like such a basic task, it made me think ‘if he is willing to stop and show me how to do things properly with care and attention to detail, I should be doing the same’. The other owner would always be working on Saturday mornings with us. She would show us everything from cleaning to best practices to serving customers promptly while still having fun with your co-workers.

She demonstrated the power of never doing anything alone and took every opportunity to show and teach us new things while working by our side.

This principle has followed me throughout my career. Where I am currently focusing most of my lead by example energy is through the practice of vulnerability. I strive to share where I stand with my team and learn along side them when I don’t have the answer. I let them know when I make mistakes or make the wrong choice and how I’m learning from it. I encourage them to do the same. “Remember that all things familiar were once strange.” Author unknown.

Do you remember when you first learned leading by example? Comment below.

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For more ideas to reflect on your own career journey, download a free copy of the Own Your Journey workbook by clicking HERE. And follow me on Instagram @owntheinterview