Think about your typical day. How many times do you look at yourself in the mirror? This may be to comb your hair, shave or put on make-up. Then, throughout the day, you continue to have opportunities to look at yourself in a mirror again. For instance, while you are in the restroom washing your hands. Many women carry small mirrors in their handbags so they can check their lipstick and make up.
Why are we at times obsessed with how we look? We are trying to portray a certain image. Our personalities are one area that people develop opinions about us. It is normally a reflection of our inner values, but not always. That may be confusing to you but let me explain. Have you ever come across people that act like they are one way, but they are not? Let me give you an example. They are the ones that start a conversation with you and try to act like they are listening and caring about what you are saying, but their eyes are already working the room. They may still be talking to you, but their mind has already moved on. They are thinking about the next conversation. They want you to think that they care about what you have to say, but they do not.
What is your personality saying about you? Here is a test to try. It may shock you or confirm what you already know. Ask your friends, co-workers and your team what they think of you. If they have that trust level in knowing that there will not be repercussions for giving an honest opinion, you can grow from the conversation. Before you approach them, write down your own opinion about your personality and leadership style. Compare this to what they say about you.
You now have a few perspectives about your style. Is it the personality and leadership style that you are trying to project? If not, what are you going to do to change it? I would love to hear your comments about how this test did for you. Mine used to be far apart, but over time I have developed my style such that if you asked my team to describe me, it will be how I want my style to be. It is a reflection of my personal values. I will go into personal values in future blogs.
Remember that your personality showcases the real you. If you come across as being fake, then you probably do not have enough self confidence in what you truly believe in to let it show. It may be that you do not feel that your true personality is appropriate for the situation. You; therefore, put on a false front. Develop your personality to what is going to let your personal values show through. It is never too late to be yourself. What defines YOU?
