How can people see me, if I can’t see myself clearly?” Henny Flynn offered me this wisdom when I was listening to a podcast. It is so easy to create or project a picture of myself that is not rooted in reality. We all want to look our best and show off the good stuff. There is absolutely nothing wrong in shining a light on this part of us. The problems arise when the inside and the outside don’t match. If we project, what we want to be seen as and if reality is not aligned with that projection, all sorts of problems arise. The claim not backed by substance often rings hollow.
Only once I have had a hard look in the mirror and seen myself, can I hope that others will see me for who I am. The gap between perception and reality is the reputation gap. When the service delivery or the product offering is aligned expectations are met and there is a happy stakeholder. If the expectation is built too high because of projection beyond what actually exists, and the delivery falls below, then there is a dissatisfied stakeholder. So, getting this equation just right is about creating an honest reflection of who you are and what you offer.
This representation (which builds reputation) requires self-reflection and self-awareness – both take time and honesty. Biases and blind spots often get in the way.
Alan Seale said it best:
“Sense the potential. Let it show you what it needs to become reality. Be the person it asks you to be. Take the action it asks of you. It can transform our world.”
In an organisational context, a messaging workshop helps a company look deep within and see itself. It can also be the catalyst for a company to take the action it needs. From this kind of action, its potential can often be fulfilled. To find the words and build a narrative that is a true reflection of who the organisation is, takes time and effort. Finding the right narrative is often the catalyst to transformation.
Who am I? What makes me unique and different? Why should people believe me?
These three questions are at the heart of a good message house. The headline answers the question of my identity. The rule of three needs to be applied when crafting the differentiators and the proof points or reasons to believe are the data points and examples that give credibility and emotion to the narrative.
How can any organisations stakeholders truly see its potential, unless the organisation first sees itself clearly? It’s that time of the year when companies are busy putting their Annual Operating Plans (AOPs) for the new financial year into effect. Targets are set and promises of a better tomorrow are being painted. A perfect time to pause and look within (with honesty) and reflect on what needs to change. May we all have the courage to look within and see our realities with compassion. From this place of clarity, we will emerge stronger and better equipped to embrace the opportunities in the year ahead.
Acceptance of the current reality is the point from where progress happens.
The views and opinions published here belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher.
A trusted coaching and communications professional, Nikhil Dey is a certified life and leadership coach (International Coach Federation - ICF). Nurturing talent and helping clients achieve their goals is what makes him happy. He loves learning from students of communication, teaching courses and guest lecturing at various educational institutions. When he is not working you will find him on the tennis court or out for long walks with his family and four legged friends.
Previously he has held senior leadership positions at Weber Shandwick and Genesis BCW.
He can be reached on twitter @deydreaming
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