Three adjectives. What are yours?

Aug 16, 2015
3 min read

Imagine that people have to describe you using three adjectives, and you can't be in the room.

Why can't you be in the room? It's because when you get discussed by the decision-maker's about a promotion, job change, etc. you are not in the room.

It's not what you want them to say. It's their perception of you.

What would they use? What would make them nod their heads in agreement?

....Now...be nice (unless you shouldn't).

Fumbling to answer? Maybe you know exactly what they would say. Does that match what you want them to say?

Ask the most honest person you know. Ask yourself again. Challenge yourself. It's just three words, right?

I recently attended a speaker at the John Deere Classic's Executive Women's Day. Carla Harris, author of Strategize to Win, was the keynote speaker. She was fabulous. She also captured my heart when she started talking about authenticity. Here is a great article about her on that subject.

She talked about her own experience with three adjectives. People said she wasn't tough. She KNEW she was tough. So she strategically worked to change people's perceptions.

She got me thinking about my own adjectives.

Defining yourself.

I have to set the direction of the perceptions people hold about me, and pinpointing three adjectives will focus me. It took me at least a month to decide on my adjectives (and I am not sure if three is the magic number, but I stuck to her advice). I really pushed myself to think of my goals, my personality and my values.

I am kind of nervous to share them. Weird. I shoudn't be. Here it goes:

Creative Leader

Energetic

My reasoning

Creative: I've always been creative in various areas of my life. I am a creative problem solver. I am creative visually. I love to experiment with different ideas. I enjoy piecing various components together to create something (not just physically, but sometimes ideas). I try to bring creativity to all areas of my life. It has many meanings. It makes me smile when someone says I am creative.

Leader: This one goes back to my blog post on authenticity and discovering my confidence and talents. I believe that I have to believe in people to be a good leader. I find enjoyment in leadership positions because it puts me in front of people. I enjoy helping others, and I enjoy taking charge in a collaborative environment. I enjoy the constant need for education and self-investment that leadership requires.

Energetic: Working in marketing, fundraising and nonprofits, you need energy and that energy comes in the form of passion (not always, but often). When I walk into a room, I want people to feel my passion for helping others, making a difference, building community. I want them to feed off that energy and the action-oriented plans that naturally follow energy. I love action. I love doing.

Taking the next step

I am still reading the book, and to be honest, I am not positive what my next step is, but I do know that I feel a great sense of focus and purpose. That's not a bad thing.

I am going to create myself a little printable that fits into a 4 x 6 picture frame and it will go on my desk. I know that it will be easy to get lost in the shuffle so I need a reminder. Something to keep me on track.

I also have a "goal buddy" that I share my goals with and she will email me, call me, remind me, etc. of my goals and ask about my progress. It's amazing how I think about her random calls. I don't want to say that I fell down. But, if I do fall down, she will help me up!