A popular line used by many, especially professionals when introducing themselves is, ‘Hi, my name is so-and-so and I am the Vice President of this-and-that, at such-and-such a company.’
Of course, introductions are appropriate to situations, so naturally, if Mr. So-and-So is in a work related environment, it would only be reasonable to expect that kind of introduction.
Suppose however, Mr. So-and-So finds himself in another situation, for example, a social setting outside of the
‘fortresses’ of work and his position? Were it not for that job, which I am sure Mr. So-and-So worked very hard to achieve, who would he be? How else would he introduce himself? How would he be defined?
Another question: Who are you outside of your job?
The response to this question begins with the recognition that your identity is multiple, multifaceted and dynamic.
Because identity is created by relationships with others, you can never be identified by just your job. We are identified as son or daughter, sibling, spouse, parent or friend. Of course we will behave differently according to how we are defined in a particular environment.
If you allow your job to define you, your world becomes very narrow. Thoughts about your job and the challenges it brings will always be on your mind, no matter what you are doing or who you are with.
You will subtly begin to value people, activities and relationships based solely on how they can help your career. Further, you will consistently withdraw your time, talents and energy from other areas of your life so that you can give more of yourself to your work, leaving you emotionally empty outside the office.
To continue reading, purchase Vol.8 #4, 2016 Issue.
Share this post:
A popular line used by many, especially professionals when introducing themselves is, ‘Hi, my name is so-and-so and I am the Vice President of this-and-that, at such-and-such a company.’
Of course, introductions are appropriate to situations, so naturally, if Mr. So-and-So is in a work related environment, it would only be reasonable to expect that kind of introduction.
Suppose however, Mr. So-and-So finds himself in another situation, for example, a social setting outside of the
‘fortresses’ of work and his position? Were it not for that job, which I am sure Mr. So-and-So worked very hard to achieve, who would he be? How else would he introduce himself? How would he be defined?
Another question: Who are you outside of your job?
The response to this question begins with the recognition that your identity is multiple, multifaceted and dynamic.
Because identity is created by relationships with others, you can never be identified by just your job. We are identified as son or daughter, sibling, spouse, parent or friend. Of course we will behave differently according to how we are defined in a particular environment.
If you allow your job to define you, your world becomes very narrow. Thoughts about your job and the challenges it brings will always be on your mind, no matter what you are doing or who you are with.
You will subtly begin to value people, activities and relationships based solely on how they can help your career. Further, you will consistently withdraw your time, talents and energy from other areas of your life so that you can give more of yourself to your work, leaving you emotionally empty outside the office.
To continue reading, purchase Vol.8 #4, 2016 Issue.
Share this post: