Stop Being Invisible

The Invisible Man had a, unnoticeably, hard life. On one hand (when he could see it), he could operate undetected his clandestine tasks. On the other, he went about life relatively unnoticed. It is like you are a superhero, and nobody know you exist, or somebody more expressive steals your identity (and credit that goes with it). Thankfully, somebody noticed him eventually, too late for him to enjoy post-humous, Hollywood and publishing royalties based on his biography.

How many of you live your life invisibly?

I have heard the excuse of the recluse: ‘I just want to stay humble. It is the culture here: Don’t stand out too much. Avoid being loud.’ They sorely missed the point. Humility and humbleness are different values that you can exercise. Humble usually leads to grumble, in my observation.

Take the backseat, or drive the car! It is your choice. If you think somebody will steal your job, you are probably right – and because you allowed them to. If you think you are valuable and relevant still, you probably are. Back up that faith in yourself with concrete competencies and confidence. Nobody can MAKE you DO what you refuse to, unless you relinquished your decision-making ability!

My close friend, Kenneth last night shared with me this recent anecdote. He asked an interviewee for an administrative position: ‘How do you think you will add value to this company?’ She looked liked she had great difficulty with this question. She could not articulate herself clearly and lacked confidence. Most jobs evolve through time. Job descriptions and job scopes will expand and become distinct. Ken was patient and generous to spend some time coaching her for her next job. I hope she learnt to bag her next job interview.

Appear. Be noticed. Make your presence felt. Take on challenges. Be ‘salmon-like’ contrarian – swim against the river. You can be physically-challenged and take on physical challenges! My friend Adam, a one-armed runner has shifted from ultra-marathons to triathlons. He is planning to do the Ironman triathlon and Four Desert Challenges.

You can stand out with your actions. You can be spotted by your conviction. You will be noticed for your energy, enthusiasm, vigor and joyfulness. Stop letting other eviscerate you with their insults, sarcasm, and put-downs. Nobody can put you down unless you give him the permission. It is only after you have given them permission to offend you, that you pass on and pass up your power and authority. It is still your choice. It is your Personal Branding, or lack of it.

Better still – make your absence felt (in a good way, of course). Never fade out into the obscurity of the background. Play the foreground, sometimes.

Success: Book Smart or Street Smart?

Billionaire-TV celebrity, Donald Trump based his award-winning series The Apprentice on the premise of the nature-nurture debate. Will the ultimate apprentice he selects prove that street smartness triumphs over academic intelligence? That’s where the politics plays out in the challenges and dysfunctional team dynamics. Having business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, is relevant as a staff as it is an entrepreneur.

For new readers directed from REDSPORT.SG, here is an essay that may, perhaps, be useful for undergraduates and working mid-lifers who are seriously contemplating a career change or reconfiguration. When we creatively extract life lessons from abstract topics like sports, we may discover more than meets the eye. Here are some useful lessons that you can use to prepare yourself for your future employ.

1)    Have a plan. Make it clear for you. Make a life-chart that is large, colourful and noticeable. Anthony Robbins wrote his first plan behind a roadmap- a map upon a map! Stick pictures of places you wish to visit, and things you’d like to have. Add a Bucket-List wile you are it.

2)    Write up a SWOT Analysis of your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Update this regularly as you become more knowledgeable and skillful. The idea is to become strong, empowered and re-inventive, so as to stay relevant in the marketplace for as long as you desire.

3)    Build your Personal Branding. What are your values, beliefs, preferences, prejudices and perceptions about people, work and recreation? How do you build your credibility? How do you build your reputation that stands you out, with distinction and your signature moves?

4)    Learn and apply your skills. Develop mastery in some skills. Exceed yourself. Test your skills daily. Take on a measurable challenge. Chinese undergraduates run a marathon to have an edge towards qualifying for the top universities. Train for your job interviews. Answer questions clearly with no hesitation. Learn independence. Learn to assemble a DIY cupboard, replace a light-bulb, wash your sports-gear, sun your shoes (before it pongs) or cook a simple meal for yourself.

5)    Attempt and attain dynamic work-life balance. Eventually, this will make way for work-life choice (a term popularized by ex-GE CEO Jack Welch) as priorities shift and change.

6)    Develop your soft-skills. Be persuasive. Be influential. Lead. Be a leader. Assume responsibly key leadership positions in university or the polytechnic.

7)    Surround yourself with experts. We stand on the shoulders of giants! Learn from the old and young. Be curious. Discover your ignorance and ingenuity. Value discipline. Discipline means doing the chores, and enjoying the process however mundane it may be.

8)    You will make mistakes! Nobody’s perfect. There are enough fallen leaders to remind us of the fallacies of leadership. Value your values. Walk your talk, and be consistent. How you bounce back from failure is your resilience. Snap back, re-focus and get back on track.

9)    Either you lead, or follow. The choice is available at all times. You can be a servant and a leader. Lead and serve. Lead to serve. Be in the service of your team. Serve them well. If you won’t lead, treat people humanely well, at least.

Feel free to comment if you need clarification. Have a good weekend!