Having an agenda.
AGENDA [uh-jen-duh]; Origin: 1745–55; Latin; pl. of agendum that which is to be done, ger. of agere to do.
I learned something this week, or maybe I re-learned something. Either way, it made an impact.
In dialog with a co-worker, he told me that people thought I had an agenda. My first reaction was to be hurt, as the implication was that an agenda is a bad thing to have and should be eliminated from public perception.
When did having an agenda come to be synonymous for a plan to do evil vs. good? Sure, there are good plans and bad plans, but if your agenda is a positive one, you should be proud of it.
If you don't have an agenda, I think you should get one! How else are you going to get anything done?
I have an agenda for my body, my mind, my relationships and my work...some coming to fruition more successfully than others.
Body Agenda - be in shape, lose a few pounds, smell good (less than successful, except for the smell good part)
Mind Agenda - learn new things, teach others new things, see the humor (mostly successful)
Relationship Agenda - treat others well, understand impact on others, be kind, say thank you, and say "I'm sorry" when warranted (+/- successful - it's a journey)
Work Agenda - do the best job possible, offer to help out, reward those who deserve it, develop those who need it, eliminate weak links that drag the collective group down, and apply agendas 2 and 3 above (mostly successful)
If you have a positive agenda, don't hide it...communicate it. By doing so, you'll empower yourself to accomplish it and maybe give someone else an idea in the process.
