To Be or Not to Be...Me

Often, we try and pretend to be someone we are not or told someone to be, that we are not. As a child did you ever pretend you were someone else? I vividly remember playing made up basketball and football games in my driveway. Growing up, I was a 49ers fan and loved their star receiver in the 80’s Dwight Clark. During these “games” I was Dwight Clark on many occasions and caught 100-yard game-winners on several occasions. Much to my disappoint I did not grow to 6’5” and possess great speed and hands to become Dwight. I had to understand that I was just me rather than Dwight.

We all bring certain tricks to our trade. No two people do the same job the same way. What works for one person might not work for the guy sitting in the cubicle next to him. It seems that too often managers try and treat everyone the exact same, regardless of personality or skills. I think it’s the best managers that personalize what they do and how they treat people.

Now back to my riveting Dwight Clark analogy—Because I thought I could be Dwight Clark, I was often upset or discouraged because I was not tall or could not jump very high, or whatever. Instead, I should have embraced what I did well—I had speed (we’re talking wheels people!) and I had good instincts. I am not Dwight Clark; I am me, and what I bring to the table works. It’s a matter of accepting who you are and embracing the skills that work for you.