January 27, 2021
1 Leadership Thought
The word “personality” comes from the Greek word "persona", which means “mask.” The irony is that we use "personality" to describe who we think we are, when the correct usage would indicate we're really describing what "mask" we're wearing.
Unsurprisingly, this leads to confusion.
If people we're around–family, friends, coworkers, neighbors–are be confused about who we are, it might be because even we're confused about who we are!
Research and interviews of top leaders found in places such as Good to Great or True North show that the best leaders are ambitious for their team members and for their organizations above themselves–in large part because they understand their own stories.
Understanding your own story gives confidence in identity so you don't need to stoke your own ego.
Understanding your own story gives freedom to serve others above yourself.
Understanding your own story unlocks who you really are. (Share this on Twitter)
Here are two ways to begin understanding your own story (these take time):
Acknowledge the experiences that have shaped you: Think about your relationship with your parents and any siblings. Experiences that traumatized you and those that energized you. Consider patterns of reaction to stressful situations and why you react that way. Consider the things you seem to enjoy and just have a knack for. Do this with a trusted friend, mentor, or family member. And remember, you're not trying to fix yourself. Just be honest and acknowledge the experiences you've been through.
Work through what your calling is: Calling resonates with all of us, yet is elusive in how to describe. It's hard to pinpoint where it comes from, yet we all know it's deep within. Take time to work through this free PDF from me to see what it might reveal about your calling.
1 Resource
The Bible on showing your face, commentary courtesy of yours truly:
One of the most celebrated leaders in the Bible, Moses, reacted this way in his first encounter with God, "And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God" (Exodus 3:6).
Yet after a lifetime of encountering God, this is how their relationship is described: "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend" (Exodus 33:11).
Honesty & vulnerability unlock the language of leadership. True faith means showing your true face. It takes courage, but if you show your true self to God, you can know Him as a friend.
Source: The Bible
1 Question
What is your calling in life?