For years I’ve had the great fortune of acting as an auctioneer for a variety of charities. I love doing it because it’s my way of giving back by using the tool I love the most: a microphone. 

I find myself possessed by a much stronger voice when given the job of raising money for a cause that’s important to me.  I start talking and the next thing I know I’ve raised a bunch of money.

I become emboldened by the mission and there’s nothing that will stop me from getting what I want: bidders who bid high and often.  

I always warn the organizers I don’t know what I’m going to say.  I’ll try and stay within the bounds of graciousness, but if you want someone who is subtle in the ask, you probably don’t want me as your auctioneer. 

And it doesn’t matter what I’m auctioning I will find a buyer for what I’m offering. Even with some really strange things to buy - like a puppy, a water purification system, or even lunch with me – I know that it’s not about what the person is getting, but about what they are giving that really matters.

I’ve never been trained as an auctioneer.  I don’t do the fast-moving chant they do.   But I love improvisation and if you think about it a great auction is also a great improvisation.  I’m given an item, combined with a worthy cause, and a captive audience who knows why they are there – and then we are off and running.

I never do this alone.  I always have someone to back me up on stage because I’m moving so fast, I sometimes forget what number I’m at and I’ve had the same people outbid themselves.  My “assistant” ensures that I don’t go off the rails and they capture the winner so we can ensure that the funds are actually raised.  It’s a collaboration that feels like a mind-meld. 

Yes, there have been times I’ve fallen flat.  Too many people drinking, talking, avoiding looking at me. Mostly though I chalk that up to me not understanding my audience – or giving them the rules of engagement upfront: I ask - you bid – it’s that simple.

When it works it’s awesome - It’s like a fast-moving roller-coaster ride, culminating in raising money to make a difference – and I love it.

After a few years, I realized that by giving away my services to charities, I was growing my skills as a speaker and as a leader.   

I turned my nervousness into bold patter.

I asked for help when I knew I had blind spots.

And I used the skills of Outlaw Leadership™ to get  me there:

An Outlaw Leader is emboldened to speak their mind in pursuit of their mission.

An Outlaw Leader understands that there’s an element of the unknown and dives in anyway.

An Outlaw Leader knows their audience and takes them on a journey together to greatness and success.

So be like an auctioneer: find your voice, give to grow, and make a difference with your leadership.

I’m an Outlaw Leader with an EDGE: Explore, Dream, Grow & Excite™ are you?