Do people you interact with daily see your true self?
Deep down today, who are you being? Are you your core true, best self, or are you presenting a persona of what you think you should be?
Around the globe, many organizations have cultures that demand their team players fit a particular mold. For example, one company may require aggressive tactics with customers. Another may expect demonstrated cooperation between team members to deliver exceptional service. Another may be somewhere in between.
Do you have to give in to the expectations of your workplace? Organizational culture is powerful, so it is hard to buck those norms and expectations. The culture is reinforced over and over, whether intentionally or not. So maybe you choose a persona that lets you fit in and contribute–but that is not your real self.
When you are not able to act on your personal values and purpose while in the workplace, you are hiding your best self. This depletes your energy (it is exhausting to keep up a facade) and makes it much harder to recharge (which living your best self would do).
You may not feel you have the choice in your current culture to consistently allow your true self to show. The best scenario would be to find a culture where you could act on your personal purpose and values daily. If you can do that, you, your family, friends, and community all benefit. At the very least, learn to understand, respect, and trust your best self.
Where should you start? Clarify your purpose and values and the behaviors you demonstrate while modeling them. Do this independent of what you think your company wants. These are YOUR guiding principles. What does your best self look like when interacting with others? How do you value and use money? What gifts do you apply to bring good things to the world? Write these things down. This is a process that can take several weeks, or even be an ongoing journey. Write and re-write. Visit and
This is a process that can take several weeks, or even be an ongoing journey. Write and re-write. Visit and revisit. Test this “personal constitution” among your circle of trust.
Keep this constitution top of mind and notes when your plans, decisions, and actions align with it (and when they don’t.) Slowly reduce the situations where you are misaligned. For example, if your current employment status makes it difficult to align with your personal constitution, keep an eye out for opportunities (within the company or outside of it) where job responsibilities would be in more alignment. This could take months, but at least you will be pointed in a meaningful direction.
It is up to you to connect your purpose and values with your everyday responsibilities. Establish this personal statement and then begin to take steps to match your roles and activities to it more and more.
CAREER ADVICE
GOV TALK
