Episode #22: Good Enough Now With Jess Pettitt

On episode no. 22, we welcome Jess Pettitt, to join the @BreakDrink conversation. Not only is she long-time friend with the “Tall Drink of Water” co-host, Jeff Jackson, but she has a wealth of experience with social justice training and public speaking around a myriad of topics including identity, politics, privilege, and more infused with humor and real-world examples to support employee retention, crisis management, and development at corporate, nonprofit, and educational institutions. After doing diversity and social justice education for 15 years in higher ed, Jess decided to take her lessons and experiences on the road and into her latest book -- Good Enough Now -- about a pattern she started to see happening in her life and others.
On episode no. 22, we welcome Jess Pettitt, to join the @BreakDrink conversation. Not only is she long-time friend with the “Tall Drink of Water” co-host, Jeff Jackson, but she has a wealth of experience with social justice training and public speaking around a myriad of topics including identity, politics, privilege, and more infused with humor and real-world examples to support employee retention, crisis management, and development at corporate, nonprofit, and educational institutions. After doing diversity and social justice education for 15 years in higher ed, Jess decided to take her lessons and experiences on the road and into her latest book about a pattern she started to see happening in her life and others. This book is an introduction to her current work and training work in subliminal “diversity training,” specifically how team building and leadership organizations area impacted by differences and individual responsibility.
 
This book is pulled together by best career and life experiences, plus curated resources for self-improvement and well-being ideas, concepts, and knowledge from a wide range of industries and areas. I love the way Jess has encouraged her workshop participants to have courageous conversations – that is to engage, sustain, and deepen the dialogues we are having with others and inside our own heads. This book guides readers to take a self-reflective look and introspection into our the ways we behave, communicate, and engage with others.
 
This book has a number graphic organizers and visuals to break down the central framework of Good Enough Now and the “pro” parts of each perspective of the model:
  • Head: Why? What? Understanding, attentive, focus, detached, etc.
  • Heart: How? Being open, authentic, empathy, listening/gather perspectives, passion, translator, loyal, awareness, etc.
  • Action: Do/Action Verbs Get it done, solve problems, results-oriented, leadership, adaptable, eager to implement, accountability, etc.
This model shares about how we show up with either our head (brain with lightning bolt), heart (heart with wings), or actions (a wicked cool sneaker). This is important to consider as we interact with others, make decisions, engage in any situation, participate in conversations, or just how we “show up” in our workplace meetings.
 
It was a delight to have Jess share about her book and experiences with “crossing the streams” to take the perspective of others. There are “multiple perspectives that are realities at the same time that are far more powerful together.” Jess reminded us that “Part of I believe you… is that you validate somebody’s existence and their story whether you perceive it, or have experienced it, or not. That is the part of belief. And part of belief is faith … and part of faith is having respect for the other person to know themselves better than maybe you might know them.” #truth Thanks for chatting with us about what’s going on with you and your work, and general life lessons for professionals and those invested in self-start ups.
 
WATCH: Good Enough Book Video Overview:
 
To WIN a FREE copy* of the Good Enough Now book, here is the @BreakDrink episode challenge: Q: Do you primarily lead with your head, heart, or action?·      Head: Why? What? Understanding, attentive, focus, detached, etc.·      Heart: How? Being open, authentic, empathy, listen, passion, translate, etc.·      Action: Do/Action Verbs Problem solver, results-oriented, lead, implement, etc. Tell us about it! Tweet and/or post a photo on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag: #GoodEnoughNow 
*Jess promises to send the winner a copy of the book, perhaps with a solid veggie chili recipe she loves!
 
Want to learn more about Jess Pettitt’s Good Enough Now book?
Pettitt, J. K. (2017). Good Enough Now: How Doing the Best We Can with What we Have is Better than Nothing
 
Follow on Twitter: @jesspettitt
Text your questions: 202-670-4262
Audiobook recording coming soon!
 
@BreakDrink Book Recommendations
by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
Good Enough Now by Jessica Pettitt

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