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As a non-traditional leader…
it can feel like you have to do more to be seen.
You’ve heard about how the cards may be stacked against you…
those invisible unconscious biases can make it harder to shine.
And maybe you feel it.
The statistics certainly show it.
And so you feel like there’s something you need to prove.
To get ahead… you may be:
1. Taking everyone’s advice
2. Saying yes to everything
3. Trying to do everything yourself
4. Working harder to get noticed
5. Trying to please everyone
6. Linking your work to your worth
7. Making everything perfect
8. Waiting for someone else to take your idea and run with it
9. Keeping an idea to yourself to prevent others from taking it
I’ve done every single one of these. Many times over.
Until I realized…
None of these actually work.
It may be counterintuitive,
but these things rob you of your time, energy and impact.
We can dive into each of those listed above…
however there is ONE THING you can do that can address all of them.
What is that one thing?
—> Know Your Value <—
When you are confident in the value you bring,
you no longer seek validation from others.
When you no longer seek validation from others,
you can focus your energy on making an impact.
When you focus your energy on making an impact,
you show up as a leader, you make a difference, and people take notice.
"Don't belittle yourself. Be BIG yourself."
—> Know Your Value <—
When you know your value… you stop doing those 9 things above.
Ok… easier said that done, I know.
In fact, our brain is wired with a Negativity Bias that increases our focus on the negative (what we don’t do well) vs. the positive (what we do well).
Additionally, it can be hard to recognize what we’re good at… because it often comes naturally to us. When it’s easy, we can de-value it. We forget that even though it may be easier for us, it’s not for everyone.
However, “Know Your Value” is 1 of 16 key pillars of Daring Leadership from Brene Brown’s book, Dare To Lead. She says it’s the direct opposite to “Hustling for Your Worth” – examples being the list above.
So, how do you strengthen Knowing Your Value?
Here’s a few tips:
1. Identify your strengths.
– Ask people who know you well what your strengths are.
– Take a personality test to identify your strengths… such as 16 Personalities (Myers Briggs based) or Strengths Test (Clifton Strengths based)*.
2. Create a habit that reminds you of your value.
– Create “I am statements” and post in a place you will see everyday. Say them out loud. (e.g. I am a great listener. I am creative. I am detail oriented. I am a leader.)
– Take 5 min at the end of the day and write down all the times you made an impact. At the end of the week, review your lists!
You have value, right now, even if you are still working on other skills.
Know your value.
See it.
Be it.
– Laura @ Mindtap
“Don’t belittle yourself.
Be BIG yourself.”
– Corita Kent
American artist, designer and educator