Soaring to New Heights
When I was 29, I became an HR director at a small university. I thought since I’d worked in the major functional areas of HR, I was prepared to be a director. Note: the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts! I didn’t have a vision for leadership, or a clear understanding of how to work with and through others.
“You can't be what you can't see.” ― Marian Wright Edelman
I may have stayed like that quite a while if it were not for a colleague, Jackie, who worked in the same university system. Jackie was in a higher-level position in a significantly larger institution; they were extremely knowledgeable and well respected. I could easily have been intimidated - except they set a different tone from the start. Jackie treated me like a valuable colleague and peer. They encouraged my participation by asking my thoughts in meetings. They were curious about my interests, strengths, and talents. They provided me with an opportunity to serve on the regional board of the preeminent higher education HR association - to literally have a seat at the table. Over the years, Jackie has been my mentor and friend. I walked a different path because they saw something in me that I didn’t know was there.
Since that time, I’ve been fortunate to have other mentors, and many professional colleagues who have taught me so much, and who continue to invite me into new spaces to discover new ideas and perspectives.
Treat others as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they’re capable of being. – Goethe
Due to my unique professional journey, I’ve been intentional about providing others with similar opportunities, mentorship, and support. These are two-way relationships, where we both learn from each other. The key theme for me is believing in their potential and helping them to identify the spark within themselves that they want to pursue. What are their strengths? What are they passionate about? What inspires them?
When I was in the process of developing my consulting business, I focused on my core values. Holding myself to the highest ethical standards. Treating others fairly and with dignity and respect. Seeing the potential in others even when they might not be aware of it themselves.
These values inspired the name of my business. A chrysalis - the place of transformation where a caterpillar develops into a butterfly - symbolizes growth and potential. This image embodies my belief in the possibilities within each of us. With guidance, support, and belief, anyone can undergo a profound and beautiful transformation.
Our expectations and treatment of others can significantly influence their development. By seeing and treating people as their best selves, we encourage them to realize and fulfill their true capabilities.
Reflecting on your own journey - who has believed in you and helped shift your path? What impact did that have on you, and what resonates most from that experience today? If you haven’t had that kind of support, imagine what it would mean to have someone who sees your potential and believes in your ability to achieve great things.
In my consulting business, I’m committed to fostering environments where potential can flourish. Just like a chrysalis provides a safe space of growth for a butterfly, I aim to provide a supportive place of transformation for my clients, helping them unlock their true potential and soar to new heights.
And just as Jackie found my unique potential so many years ago, we can collaborate to bring out the best in you and your team.
If you're committed to helping others experience their greatest potential, or exploring your own, contact me to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Nicole Norian is the founder of Chrysalis HR Consulting, an experienced HR leader, and a certified executive coach. With over three decades of HR expertise and a deep commitment to helping organizations thrive, she has dedicated her career to empowering leaders and fostering dynamic, mission-driven cultures.