I had my first mentoring session at the New Job this weekend. It was so interesting. Pretty much all I did was Observe, but tonight I will begin weighing people in for the first time! (I have to admit I am slightly nervous about this) It’s a big deal, folks!
I went to a center where I don’t normally go, and was mentored by a leader and receptionist who are new to me. They were both really impressive, especially in their handling of people on the scale.
You know it makes such a huge difference when you step up there, and the number is UP, and the weighing person makes a funny noise or groans a little, or just has a regretful look on their face. It’s like a zinger of shame. It feels bad. Sometimes it makes you want to take a running leap off the scale, out the door, and into the nearest ice-cream shop.
Neither of these women did anything like that. They were warm, concerned, kind, matter-of-fact. They didn’t respond with great hoopla over losses, just kind of a restrained “good work!” kind of thing, and they absolutely did not break stride at all if there was a gain. I really did feel as if the members felt cared for. They were both excellent role models.
It was also a meeting with not a huge number of people, and they were able to give everyone their undivided time and attention. The meeting where I normally go can often be a mob scene, and the staff people there often appear rushed and overwhelmed.
Overall, it was another positive experience, and I am looking forward to more.
After I left that meeting, I went to my “home” meeting and.. ta-da!!!!!! MADE MY GOAL WEIGHT. I was happy. I got the little star bling for my keychain, and the booklet about maintenance, and a nice round of applause. I have to say that I am feeling a mixture of excitement, nervousness, apprehension and curiosity about this whole Maintaining thing. We’ll see how it goes, shall we?
June 23, 2009 at 12:43 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is so awesome about meeting your goal! 🙂
June 23, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I hate those little “oh, poor you” smiles. My receptionist gives them to me a lot. I can’t decide if she gives them to me because I tend to freak out about gains, or if I freak out because she gives me that smile.
I have some receptionist horror stories over on my site, but I’ll clue you in on a BIG one. BE nice to your male clients. Respectful. Trust me on this. My husband and I have switched leaders a few times to get away from receptionists that were snarky to him… NEVER ask a guy if he’s staying for the meeting as if you’re assuming that he’s NOT.
June 23, 2009 at 2:29 pm
I am always really impressed with male members because they are SO outnumbered and often out of their element. I give them big kudos for showing up.
There was one guy at the meeting who raised his hand in response to a question- I was watching him really carefully and he looked really shy – also v. big guy – and he didn’t get called on at first so then put down his hand, looked at the floor and never raised it again. I wanted to jump up and say, CALL ON THAT GUY! because I knew it took so much guts for him to even try. I am really going to try and be on the lookout for people like that, as opposed to the people who are like, “Me me me!” and always have something to say.
Thanks so much for all the suggestions – I am writing them all down and will take them to heart.
June 23, 2009 at 3:17 pm
I just know you will be great at both – the new job and maintaining! Well done on making goal!
June 23, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Congratulations at making your goal!
June 23, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Yay!! You did it! As I said on Twitter, you’re going to be a fantastic leader! A natural 🙂
June 24, 2009 at 2:11 am
Foodie… I had a similar experience today! I work in community recreation and we are running a biggest loser type compitition. Today I helped with weigh in and measuring. Measuring some of the males was a little, um, personal. LOL However, it is fun to be able to help people in a similar situation as me.
You are such a great support I know you will do great! Congratulations on meeting your goal! Do you mind if I ask how long that took… I am just wondering if I will meet my goal before I am 50 (I am 29 y.o. now)?!
XO
Anige
June 24, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Congratulations on making your goal weight – what an awesome achievement!!!
I think you, coming from this side, will be great as a leader – it’s nice to have someone so empathetic doing the weigh-ins, especially.
June 24, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Great job hitting your goal! It’s always a great feeling to reach a goal. I’m looking forward to celebrating that achievement myself eventually. 🙂
Much Health and Happiness
@a_healthier_me
June 24, 2009 at 10:46 pm
Congrats on making your goal weight. Time to celebrate and work on the really hard part of weight loss … keeping it off. Show me how it’s done.
I look forward to coming back and catching up on how you did it.
June 25, 2009 at 1:45 am
Great job on making your goal weight! And I’d say good luck on your journey on the “other side” of the scale, but I don’t think you need it. You have such a friendly, empathetic personality and the special ability to connect with people.
Go, girl!