January 11, 2010 by Robin Dickinson | 90 views | Comments (7)
Others can’t benefit from your uniqueness if you hide it under layers of safe, conforming behaviour.
Notes:
The above thought is a response to the amount of times I see people with real talent and ability – unique gifts – playing it safe and conforming to the way others want them to be. Like a snail peering out of somebody else’s shell. Why do we do this?
Maybe it’s to please others – to try and earn their approval.
Maybe it’s through lack of awareness – just not being conscious of our own daily actions.
Bottom-line: we as a community miss out on the richness and value of your gifts, and your unique and authentic contribution, if they are hidden behind a mask of conformity.
Your leading thoughts…
As a leader who reads this blog, your opinion, experience and contribution to this conversation is highly valued.
- Has your uniqueness ever been hidden under layers of conforming behaviour? How?
- What are some of your safe, conforming behaviours that hide your genius?
- Does it serve you in some way to play it safe and hide your genius? How?
- How could others benefit from your genius if they could access more of it?
7 Responses to this post
January 11, 2010 at 7:31 pm |
Honestly, I think my acute “cringe” reaction when reading the last question says more about my tendency to conform than any response I might provide to the other questions.
After reading the last question, my immediate concern (and perhaps even fear) was coming off like a pompous ass. I didn’t even consider answering the question honestly. My first impulse was to write some gibberish downplaying my own strengths, but crediting the strengths of others, to ensure I appeared appropriately humble.
January 11, 2010 at 8:21 pm |
Hi Nelia, thanks for your honest response. It made me think and grin – two things I love to do.
I made the jump to your blog http://www.feedmyhabits.com/ and it looks amazing. I’m intrigued by your experimental approach and will be investigating it further.
Great to connect.
Best, Robin
January 11, 2010 at 8:24 pm |
Ouch! Mate you getting personalnow!
January 11, 2010 at 8:33 pm |
Well, I’ve needed to up the ante to shake you out of the tree.
That picture wasn’t meant to look like you, mate.
Best, and thanks for dropping in.
Robin
January 13, 2010 at 7:36 am |
So, that’s me in the picture there.
Thanks for modelling your “leading questions” for me. Consider the idea stolen.
January 13, 2010 at 10:30 pm |
I love sharing ideas that people take and implement immediately. Go for it. my friend. Re: picture – I could render in some facial hair if it makes you feel better.
Best, Robin
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