At this point of the MSLD program, I may be so self-aware
that Carly Simon will soon jump out and surprise attack me with my rendition of
“You’re So Vain”. All jokes aside, my recent blog topics coincidentally have
centered on self-awareness. I have always felt that in a lot of ways I have a
larger than life personality but grew hesitant that I should conceal it to make
it in the workplace. I was under the false impression that acting in a way that
I perceived as ideal behavior was what I should be doing. I missed out on
living authentically, and the world missed out temporarily on the gifts I have
to offer.
Finally, I threw in the towel and decided that I had to be
my whole self. I drew inspiration from some expected places such as America’s
Next Top Mode. Tyra told the girls that being a spokesperson entailed allowing
the best parts of you shine. To some degree isn’t that what we do when we are
at work? The fact of the matter is not every company is right for every person.
I decided to find the right one to align myself with, and the outcome has been
transformative.
“What characterizes great leaders is a sense of what works
for them with others” (Goffee & Jones, 2006, para. 2). There are many
colorful words that have been used to describe me: quirky, energetic, silly,
weird, charismatic, humorous, and effervescent to name a few. Going into my
interview I had a choice to make: do I go for it or do I hold back? One of the
most important questions is also one of the most innocuous, which is “Tell me
about yourself” and giving a compelling answer at the beginning of the
interview can set the tone. I crafted an equally unique response, and I debated
up until that moment whether I would use it. Luckily I did, and I have since
not held back.
Through self-awareness, I have been able to develop a close
understanding of my differences. While I am not as notable as Bill Gates, I
have managed to leave an impression with those that I am acquainted. We shot
individual academic advising videos, and mine turned out quite successful in
capturing my essence because of my self-awareness of who I am and my ability to
project my self-image. My office
nickname is "unicorn", endearingly so and maybe it could not be more
perfect. I have child-like wonder, and I try to make as many things as magical
as possible. I want what is best for others and through my self-deprecating,
dorky nature I can put people at ease. There are far worse things to be, and I
am living out loud fully who I truly am. It not only feels good, but I have
seen recent successes that indicate that I am fulfilling my true purpose and
should keep growing in the same direction.
Reference:
Goffee, R., & Jones, G. (2006). Getting personal on the topic of leadership. Human Resource
Management International Digest , 14 (4), 32-34
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