3 tips for being real in role

People sometimes go through three stages during their professional career. First, they begin by being real. Second, they became wrapped in playing a professional role. Third, they are real in their professional role. Let’s explore these three steps.

1) Being real.

People often show passion when starting out on their chosen career. They are real, raw and may be classified as a ‘rough diamond’. Throwing themselves into their work, they sometimes make mistakes - but this is part of the adventure. Their spark transmits energy and fire. Singer-songwriters, for example, sometimes produce great work early in their careers. Belying their youth, they write songs that convey wisdom beyond their years. The same happens in many fields. Stoked by idealism, people look forward to going to work each day - then comes the next stage.

2) Being in role.

People may climb the career ladder and, at a certain point, feel they must get into ‘role’. Certainly they must be professional - but sometimes they bury their personality and become wrapped in the role. This may manifest itself by, for example, losing touch with customers, collecting ‘badges’, talking in long sentences, making things complicated or whatever. “I stopped doing what I do best,” said one person, “and spent my life acting as a middle management supervisor. Two years into the job I felt confident enough to begin showing my real personality.” This brings us to the next stage.

3) Being real in role.

Confident in their professional ability, they are real yet also able to fulfil their role. Great leaders, for example, show the ‘human touch’. They feel more able to ‘be themselves’ and, far from diminishing their authority, this increases their credibility. How can you continue to be real in your role? Three principles are worth bearing in mind. First, be passionate. Do things you feel passionately about and let your passion shine through. Second, be professional. Fulfil your professional obligations - and do these superbly. Third, be a peak performer. Do something special that adds that touch of magic. Try completing the following sentence.

The things I can do to continue be real in my role are:

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