Monday, January 31, 2011

This year I step up

(Authors note - this post is my Chinese New Year resolutions list.  Chinese New Year celebrations run from February 3rd to 18th, 2011).

The big area that I am doing a lot of reading about and self reflection on at the moment is around being authentic.  Authentic as a person, an employee and as a manager.  (See book review of Linchpin).

This is one area that I have struggled with over the past three years.  I have spent a lot of time and energy thinking that I had to be watching my back, keeping others in check and ensuring that I was doing everything possible to protect myself.  That said - I was being Defensive.

Don't get me wrong I have been able to generate some fantastic results and have some life changing experiences not to mention getting to work with the best administration team any person could ever wish for.  What I was doing though was struggling within myself to feel like I was achieving real results and as a result was very down on myself.  This shone through the most when I went to a few job interviews - and I was really, really bad.  ;)

2011 is the year that I switch up and go into Offensive.  I remember an old saying that a friend of mine uses "Offense is the best form of defense". 

I could and have spent a lot of energy trying to have a secure position.  But I can see that my strategy was both flawed and misguided.  So what am I doing different?

  • Creativity.  I am generally pretty creative but haven't put as much emphasis on this area as I should have been doing.  This year - I step up.
  • Spontaniety.  I will relax around others, not be concerned what their motives may or may not be and have FUN.  This year - I step up.
  • Speaking up.  After you get smacked down a few times it easy to be reluctant to confront people or to have the courage to speak up.  This year - I step up.

Having finished reading Linchpin by Seth Godin I feel inspired to a) be myself, b) have fun and c) bring my authentic self to work - everyday.

 

2 comments:

  1. Nice post mr - always good seeing positivity increased in any shape or form.

    Plus you have an awesome Lego dude! Get one for your desk and the New Year is off to a great start already ;D

    ReplyDelete

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