Is that your costume?
Pardon my Persona
The time prior to the start of the schedule for an athletic sport is usually called the pre-season. During this time, there is an emphasis on conditioning the body, practicing with others and learning the plays that focus on scoring. It goes without saying that the group wants to win. Repeating the plays is the starting point to make them easier to perform without too much thought. Sport is a great place to expect everyone to work together towards the goal. But sometimes a diva appears, and they don’t follow the rules. They might look like the group, but their plan is different.
My Persona to Intent
Lots of folks like the idea to presume good intent. It is a possibility and provides some good thoughts. Since all of our minds skew toward different values, this is comfortable for some. Counter-intuitively, there are others with different intents that might not meet the expectations of their peers. At work, there is generally a time to learn at the start of a job. Physically, this might be crucial to avoid danger. Working safely should always be the first intent of employers. But the investment in someone learning their job is uneven at best. On top of that, not discussed truthfully.
Simple Persona
It is generally believed that most people work to earn money. But there are other reasons. Mountain climbers don’t necessarily accept challenges for more income. Missionaries are not well known as millionaires. That famous guy who is constantly pushing that rock uphill over and over is not in it for the cash. Their work is not without effect but might not be obvious. The meaning of work might appear to be simple but is more like an iceberg. You can’t see the entire constantly looming hill of ice. It isn’t simple. Humans don’t always have simple personas at work. In fact, if you think you know anyone at work well, ask them. If there is any resistance, reluctance or follow up questions, you only know their work persona.
Everyday Persona
There is nothing wrong with having a work persona. It is the version of us that we feel is best for the environment. It is our armor against conflict and the version of us that oddly works well. This persona is definitely not based on pure truth because we tend to think that it would be dangerous to be just ourselves at work. Consider if kids did your job. Would they be so proper, watch out not to bump into each other or behave with such determination not to make mistakes? Would they look like they are enjoying themselves more? Would they judge each other while sitting around the conference room table? It is interesting to look back to who we are when we start a job. It is possible that the costumes would be off by recess.
Go to work with a childlike viewpoint. What would be different about you?
