We tend to have two personas - one for work and one for home. Having a professional persona is expected of us, rightly so. However, when that professional persona contrasts with your natural persona we need to expend more effort and energy in a work setting.
On occasion, our professional persona holds us back because we worry about what others might think of us. This can be a drain on our resources. You will know if you have two personas because it’s something you must cognitively switch on and switch off.
To be at our very best and able to withstand the challenges of our work, being our natural self takes less effort and means we can improve our natural self for both home and work.
One of the best ways of improving our self is to seek honest negative feedback from others. Admittedly it can be hard to hear. In each piece of feedback, there is something to learn from.
I never knew I had unusual facial expressions until it was coldly pointed out to me in written feedback – “and as for those unusual expressions on his face…”
What unusual expressions?
I went back and reviewed photographs that were taken of me on stage, there were some great faces that even I don’t know what they meant! Did I change my facial expressions, no. Do I tell the audience about them, yes. Why, so that they know I am me, a genuine person. What some might see as a flaw, I see as being who I am.
There is a direct correlation between the more that I can be my natural self and the increase in positive comments from the audience and our clients. Here is just one example:
"A massive heartfelt thank you Lance. We have been inundated with amazing feedback from our team, you were so adored by all! The Team is already using your techniques so that is an instant win. Appreciate the incredible human being that you are and sharing your authentic self with us – it was so refreshing.
PS – the team loved that you spoke to yourself in third person and are keen to hear more about that if you could share a few words on that? (interestingly I do this myself when I am having a pep talk with myself). Superstar status!"
I had no idea that I referred to myself in third person during presentations until it was pointed out in this feedback. I sent back after contemplating why I do this:
"I talk about myself in the 3rd person because my voice is not who I am, many people feel the same way. I never believe what I tell myself, our brain tends to make sh*t up.
Questioning our thoughts and where they come from is the key to understanding ourselves. “We can believe ourselves, or we can believe IN ourselves”. There is a big difference."
If I was to offer one suggestion to the world, apart from controlling your breathing to control your thoughts, is to be your authentic self.
Be proud of who you are, be strong in who you are, and have joy in who you are. Be you, and work on being you, for you are truly special!
Let’s talk!
Focus On Being Yourself, It's Much Easier!