Workplace Identity: Removing Labels

Ever feel like your name tag reads more like a laundry list of labels? "Hello, I am Kelly: {Insert Profession and Job Title}, The Overworked, Sleep-Deprived, Multi-Tasking Guru of All Trades." Yep, we’ve all been there, buried under descriptors that make us wonder if there's more to us than just the sum of our jobs.

Let me guide you through letting go of labels and rediscovering our true identities. Ready to find out who you really are beneath that mountain of responsibilities? 

Step 1: The Label Purge - Let’s Get Real

First things first, grab a piece of paper and list all the labels and descriptors you wear on a daily basis. It’s a bit like airing out your dirty laundry, but it’s necessary. Now, take a good look at that list and ask yourself: Which of these labels truly define who I am at my core? Which ones are just the hats I wear for others? If you are like me, color code the crap out of that list. The trends you do and don't want will be blunt right in front of you!

Team Action:

• Label List: Individually, write down all the labels you carry at work.
• Reflect: Highlight the ones that feel true to your core self.
• Share: In your next team meeting, discuss common labels and support each other in identifying those that are more about external expectations than true identity. You might find that one person enjoys a specific label and another no so much. 

Step 2: The Time Travel - When Were You the Happiest?

Let’s travel back to a time when you felt genuinely happy, energized, and true to yourself. It could be a specific job, a hobby, or even a vacation where you felt most like “you.” Analyze and identify common themes or activities that brought you joy and fulfillment.

Team Action:

• Memory Lane: Individually jot down those moments.
• Analyze: Identify common themes or activities. Where did the energy thrive. That's your sweet spot!
• Discuss: Share these moments with your leader and explore how these experiences might guide your current workload toward more energy alignment. 

Step 3: The Passion Inventory - What Lights Your Fire?

Next up, let’s find out what gets you excited these days. What are the activities or topics that make you lose track of time? Passion is a key ingredient in rediscovering your true self because it’s often buried under our day-to-day grind. Keep in mind your interests may have changed over the years. Find small ways to weave these passions into your daily routine.

Team Action:

• Passion Points: List your interests and hobbies, no matter how tiny they seem.
• Incorporate: Find small ways to bring these passions into your workday. For example, if you love drawing, doodle during meetings to keep your creative side engaged. Start workforce community groups around such hobbies, connect with your weirdos!
• Re-Align: As a team, brainstorm ways to integrate each member’s passions into team projects or the work environment. 

Step 4: The Circle of Influence - Who’s in Your Corner?

The people we surround ourselves with can either lift us up or drag us down. Take stock of your circle. Are they supportive of the real you, or do they only recognize you by your labels? This is an important step. If you know my story, when I burnt out and could no longer 'people please', 70% of the people surrounding me left. When I needed support the most, many couldn't step up. Take this crucial step to prevent such pain. Spend more time with those who encourage your authentic self and less with those who don’t.

Team Action:

• Social Audit: Individually, evaluate your work relationships.
• Support System: Identify team members who support your true self. 
• Connect: Strengthen connections with those who uplift you and minimize interactions with those who don’t until you find that common ground. Keep in mind others change over time too. Don't put them in that bucket forever. 

Step 5: The Practical Planner - Making Time for You

We know you’re busy, so let’s get practical. Start by carving out small chunks of “me time” to explore activities that resonate with your true self. Think of this as scheduling a meeting with the most important person in your life—YOU. If you do it intentionally, this time will be protected from the busy world that steals it. Take back control of your schedule.

Team Action:

• Daily Dose of Self: Schedule 15-30 minutes daily for activities that align with your true self. Block it off in your calendar. 
• Team Encouragement: Encourage each other to respect these time blocks and check in to ensure everyone is making time for themselves. Lead by example. 

Step 6: The Reflection Routine - Check-In with Yourself

Finally, make it a habit to regularly check in with yourself. Reflect on your feelings and progress. Are you feeling more like the real you? Adjust your activities and focus as needed.

Team Action:

• Journal: Keep a daily or weekly journal to track your feelings and progress. I enjoy my productivity journal that helps me set my priorities and intentions for the day and I reflect on those items before signing off. That reflection of progress feels amazing!
• Team Check-In: Set aside time in team meetings for a brief check-in where everyone can share their progress and adjustments.

Removing labels and rediscovering your true self isn’t a one-time event. It’s a journey, sometimes messy, often funny, but always worthwhile. So, take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and start peeling back those labels. Beneath them lies the vibrant, dynamic, and authentic YOU.

Here's to reclaiming our identities together!

Want to explore more? Let's setup a call here to see what program would be a good fit to guide your team through the workforce energy management framework: Schedule Here