What do you get complimented on?
Sit with this question. Journal on it.
This is useful in a few ways :
1. It helps you to see what people notice. For years people complimented my energy. I thought nothing of it. But when I started this business it became my strategic advantage. There were no other coaches singing songs about resumes. Once I identified & embraced it, I used it better.
2. People could be noticing the wrong things. If you get complimented on things you don’t want to be known for, for example, staying late, taking one for the team, or cleaning up any mess, this allows you to see what others see you as. You can adapt your behavior and work on what you want to be known for. For a long time I was known as an arts administrator, sometimes labeled the “Excel Queen” (ugh!), but I wanted to teach more. So, I took on more teaching work, talked about teaching drama more often and my reputation changed.
3. If you don’t get compliments, it could mean two things. 1. You work with jerks or a highly competitive industry that doesn’t want to help. 2. Or, you’re in a role that isn’t bringing out your best. If you feel good about work but never get compliments, this could be the wrong career prompt for you.
What do you get complimented on?
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