I grew up without much money. The way I describe it is “I never went hungry, but there was more than once when we didn’t have enough money to pay for all the groceries and had to put items back.” I’ve never had someone not nod when I describe it that way, and I think it’s because the embarrassment of not having enough money in a grocery checkout line is so public and visceral even if you haven’t experienced it.Cognitive learning objectives examples my favorite part is everyone waiting behind you judging your priorities. That is not a good time to keep the ice cream.

Once when I was a kid, maybe 7 years old, my mom and I were shopping in a store similar to target.Cognitive learning objectives examples I found a my little pony toy that said it was $1.00 on the tag. I knew instantly this was too good to be true, but I marched it over to my mom and begged.Cognitive learning objectives examples normally good toys were out of range for everyday purchases, but maybe this once we could make an exception. At $1.00 my mom didn’t say no, but I saw in her eyes a hesitation.Cognitive learning objectives examples she knew what was coming. When we got to the counter, it rang up as $11.00. The toy was mismarked, and we couldn’t afford to buy it. I’ve told this story a few times as an adult, and the reaction of others is always how the store should have honored the price tag.Cognitive learning objectives examples and yes, it totally should have. But what I know is we didn’t really ask. We were used to disappointment, and we knew we wouldn’t get away with it.Cognitive learning objectives examples luck didn’t bend that way for us, and I had already accepted that as a child.

When I was in 6th grade, I applied for and won a scholarship to the school I attended.Cognitive learning objectives examples for years my parents had paid full tuition to a private school, so I could get a better education than my local public school. Here finally was a way I could help our family, and after an essay and interview process I was the winner.Cognitive learning objectives examples it was a rare and delicious moment of success. My dad took me out to dinner, and I remember him kvelling as dads do. But then he said, “things like this don’t happen to people like us.” he didn’t mean it badly; he was honestly marveling that life could be this good.Cognitive learning objectives examples

I appreciated their future vision of me, but I didn’t see it. It’s like when someone tries to explain a country you’ve never visited to you. You can marvel at what they saw, but there are limitations.Cognitive learning objectives examples you can’t truly imagine what they’re talking about. Even photos are pretenders; there’s nothing like the real thing. Ambition is my faraway land.Cognitive learning objectives examples what is this thing you speak of?

I was successful because I was a hard worker, I made good decisions, and that helped luck roll in and do its thing.Cognitive learning objectives examples but once I had climbed into a better life, I had no answer to what’s next except to stay there. I’m the opposite of what people talk about in the business world.Cognitive learning objectives examples what if you’re just happy to be here at all? Just thankful you don’t have to put things back from your grocery cart? Grateful you can stay in a nice hotel when you travel?Cognitive learning objectives examples what drives you then?

It turns out fear drives me. I love security. I often joke about how I am essentially scrooge mcduck; I would love a room filled with money to swim through.Cognitive learning objectives examples I never EVER want to feel the stress of credit card debt or school tuition again. My husband can tell you I have a hair trigger about money.Cognitive learning objectives examples paired with that, I am interested in a different life. I watched fellow co-workers become coos or CEOS, and it wasn’t my thing. I felt jealous of the drive, but not of the jobs.Cognitive learning objectives examples I like small teams, creative problem solving, and building expertise. While I might want my own (small) company one day, I’m on a different path than them.Cognitive learning objectives examples sometimes I would beat myself up about staying at google and still being a director, and then I would have to say to myself, “wait, you don’t even want that job.” and that’s ok.Cognitive learning objectives examples

In fact, it’s great. I’ve had four different jobs at google which were incredibly interesting, been rewarded both financially and via other recognition.Cognitive learning objectives examples while sometimes my job has required long hours, it’s not all consuming like some roles can be. I’ve been able to prioritize my wonderful family, and people compliment me for my ‘perspective’ and ‘balance’.Cognitive learning objectives examples

When I have a career conversation with my team members, the first question I ask is about what they studied or liked studying in school. When we look back, we tap into our original motivations and dreams before life may have taken us down other roads.Cognitive learning objectives examples it’s useful to take a peek and see whether there are still seeds of ambition there to grow. In my case, I wanted to be a writer and an actress when I little, a story teller.Cognitive learning objectives examples revisiting those goals has centered me; it reminded me of who I really am versus what silicon valley says I am. And I’ve refocused on writing as a result. 2) use labels

cognitive learning objectives examples

I’m a little skeptical of personal branding courses, maybe because the phrase ‘personal branding’ gives me the heebie jeebies. I’m not a brand of toothpaste after all.Cognitive learning objectives examples that said, there is power in a name. Naming is a form of legitimacy, and I didn’t know what “I” was. I wasn’t jealous of the CEO job, but I was jealous of the clarity of the name.Cognitive learning objectives examples

When I took a step back and thought about my personal journey, I realized I was a ‘people-focused leader’, something I hadn’t seen others talk about.Cognitive learning objectives examples in contrast to what I consider business-focused or tech-focused leaders who are driven by business or technical innovations, I am interested in what’s possible when a leader’s core focus is to build great teams and nurture them.Cognitive learning objectives examples in my experience, you exceed business goals with that approach. I believe in this; it’s what I am doing, and it wasn’t until I gave it a name that I could form complementary goals. 3) ask ‘why not’?Cognitive learning objectives examples

How I grew up has left with me a permanent hangover of complacency. I tend to assume something won’t work or isn’t possible. Even worse, I won’t ask questions or think about what could happen.Cognitive learning objectives examples this has applied all over my life, but probably nowhere worse than at work. Years ago I was wondering why my manager wasn’t offering me additional responsibility when I was performing so well in a related area.Cognitive learning objectives examples I didn’t realize that my co-workers were asking for the opportunities they were receiving. A lot of life has been a mystery that way.

It can feel ridiculous to go through a conversation with yourself, but I know I’m retraining my brain.Cognitive learning objectives examples I’m pushing myselfto see possibility, to ask for help and try new things . If you are a manager, I hope you’ll keep this in mind as you look at your employees.Cognitive learning objectives examples perhaps the ones that aren’t ambitious could just use some help to see what’s possible.

Note: I don’t provide names or other identifiable information of who gave/provided me feedback.Cognitive learning objectives examples I also omit any confidential or sensitive information about specific work or people. I share quotations so you can experience the feedback as I did, but those examples are carefully curated.Cognitive learning objectives examples the opinions stated are my own, not those of my company.

This piece is selected from an ongoing series, chronicling my 17 years at google and the performance feedback that has helped to shape my career.Cognitive learning objectives examples people often wonder what has motivated me to stay so long at one company. I usually tell them it’s the people and career opportunities that google affords; it’s also the ability to level up my personal growth.Cognitive learning objectives examples I consistently ask myself: what have I learned along the way and how am I continuing to improve? As you may know, we love data at google. In this vein, I dug back into past performance reviews and cataloged the feedback I’ve received.Cognitive learning objectives examples this has been a humbling journey, but also one where I can appreciate just how much I’ve grown over the years and help others with feedback they may be receiving today.Cognitive learning objectives examples