This quote found it’s way into three conversations last week. Each time the person was anxiously anticipating a meeting with someone of influence and power.
Despite all the egos, positions, wealth and cultural trappings that serve to distinguish ourselves from each other, people are still people. Unless you’re a jerk, there is no reason to be anyone else but yourself (although there is research to support that jerks are generally unaware they are jerks so the principle still applies).
During times you are the focus of attention; the board meeting presentation, the performance observation, the funding pitch, the oral book report – these are really opportunities for you to continue the narrative of your life. That is, you get to tell another part of your story. Make sure the story is yours and not someone else’s you invent.
And give yourself a break. The outcome may not go your way for a slew of reasons which you have no control. Stress will only keep you from being you.
Blogging Gazelle is published daily by Shawn Carson
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