Day #688 - Boxes

And climbing out of them

Everyone gets put in a box: it’s how we understand the world around us. When we meet people we categorise them, fitting them into familiar frameworks, be that ‘grandad’, ‘boss’ or ‘plumber’. And as we know, these frames are not passive: they shape and contextualise how we deal with those people (which is one mechanisms by which shadows are cast over us).

Its not that we want to ignore potential, or deprive people of opportunity, it’s just that we treat people in line with how we see them. And this applies to you and me too.

Use your sixty seconds today to consider how people see you. And how that aligns to how you think you should be seen.

And don’t be afraid to tell your story: saying what you are good at, what you want, or how you can help (or challenge) is a good thing to do. It can shake the edges of the frame that is put around you, and may help you find opportunity.

Consider also those people in your team: how well do you really know them? Is it work asking them “what can you do that I do not know about”, or “how can I help you learn something new”?