02/29/2024
Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact.
You are not the container you are part of.
Over the past year, through my coaching sessions, I've observed a significant trend: many professionals are increasingly intertwining their personal identities with the companies or brands they work for. This phenomenon isn't entirely new but has intensified amid the uncertainties fueled by frequent layoffs. The underlying fear for many is the daunting prospect of not being able to secure a more rewarding job or fulfilling career path if their association with a brand comes to an end, leading to a perceived disintegration of their professional identity.
It's crucial to remember that your contributions are a key part of your company's success. You are part of a collective effort that propels something greater than yourself. Without its people, a brand or logo lacks value. Your worth extends far beyond the confines of the brand you represent.
An important realization, echoed by leaders like Steve Jobs, has profoundly shaped my perspective: "Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact, and that is everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you. And you can change it—you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use."
This insight is empowering. It serves as a reminder that your skills, creativity, and contributions transcend any single organization. As you navigate your career, remember that your identity and value are not solely defined by your current role or employer. You have the power to influence, innovate, and inspire in ways that can redefine your career path and contribute to the world in meaningful ways.
For those looking to advance their careers and leaders aiming to empower their teams, embracing this broader view of professional identity is crucial. It opens up avenues for personal growth, innovation, and the realization that your potential is limitless, not confined to the logo you wear. Let's champion a mindset that celebrates individual contributions while recognizing the collective strength they bring to any organization.
SILVIO.DESIGN
In 1994, the Santa Clara Valley Historical Association interviewed Steve Jobs. What he said during this unscripted film interview is remarkable. In this foot...