When you’re at your best, you are calm and cool. Even under pressure, you are engaged, nimble, and inspiring of others. The work may be hard but you’re a source of confidence and skills.
When you’re not at your best, you are anxious and fearful. You’re hard on yourself and hard on others. You’re less likely to see the light at the end of the tunnel and more likely to believe that success is out of reach.
How do you stay in your best self and not hang out in your worst self?
Comedian Garry Shandling shed light on this. He said, “Most people are presenting themselves the way they want to be seen, and you’re not getting to the core of who they are.”
We’ve seen this play out in our workplaces for decades.
People create a personna that might be gruff or dismissive or demeaning or teasing – because they think that’s what they must be to succeed.
They’re acting, putting up a facade behind which they’re scurrying about to ensure every plan, decision, and action is in tune with their performance.
The reality is that if we’re not behaving from the core of who we are, it’s exhausting. We’re expending energy on this facade. We’re not energized by this performance – we’re drained by it.
In today’s three-minute episode of my Culture Leadership Charge video series, I outline the importance of defining your best self – being in service to others – and aligning all plans, decisions, and actions to your best self, every day.
My Culture Leadership Charge series features short (two-to-three-minute) videos that describe proven culture leadership and servant leadership practices that boost engagement, service, and results across your work teams, departments, regions, and even your entire company.
Each episode’s “charge” is a challenge for everyone in your organization – not just leaders – to refine their behaviors and ensure everyone is treated respectfully at all times.
You’ll find my Culture Leadership Charge episodes and more on my YouTube channel. If you like what you see, please subscribe!
Life. Leadership. Elevated. 1 day. World-class speakers & authors. Leadership isn't just about work - it's about LIFE. Powerful takeaways. New date: June 15, 2018. Denver, CO. Limited seating! Register: http://drtc.me/lev8 Share on XPhoto © Adobe Stock – Prostock Studio. All rights reserved.
How often are your operating from your best self? How do you keep out of your worst self, even when the temptation is high? Share your insights on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
