Under your professional ensemble
What’s the first thing you see under a name on LinkedIn? A job title. A synapse in our mind immediately attaches their identity with their profession. We fill the vessel of the person’s identity based on our knowledge of what their profession entails. Similarly, at a physical networking event, as soon as a person’s profession is out, we formulate identity based on their profession. In a digitally transparent world, the speed at which we base a person’s identity exceeds our capability to accurately discern what lies beyond their work ensemble. While professional work may be highly correlated with a person’s identity, it is not the core of a person’s sense of self, but only a coating of it.
Our professional work persona is the glamorous hard coating that we present to the world. The coating provides us a sense of pride and self worth when having to introduce ourself. In parallel, in the 15th century CE, knights would spend 10 minutes suiting up from head to toe in plated armour in preparation for battle. The armour provided both physical protection and intimidation to the opponent. The different plates of armour would fasten together with precision using laces, straps and hinges to form the entire suit. The steel was exquisitely sculpted to the physique of the human body. The entire suit is a work of art that stands for admiration at museums around the world today. Yet without this armour, why do we feel a sense of inadequacy or threat when presenting ourself?
As a UX designer, this is exactly what I introduce myself as. Without the title, I don’t know how to present myself. Does that mean I don’t have an identity beyond my name? Without a good title does that mean I’m worth less than someone with the best title?
I’ve recently had two reminders of the qualities that we carry beneath the coat of armour. At a recent design event, we were asked to write on our name badge, the name of a superhero who would play something. Without much time to think, I wrote down Buzz Lighter who would play the piano. This was a sharp contrast to previous events, where a badge can limit you to only your name and title. The opening networking session allowed us to get to know each other beyond a title, connect over our imagination and creativity, and gain respect for personality beyond a company name. It was a fun ice-breaker that allowed everyone an equal opportunity to showcase themselves and it opened my eyes to the layers of one’s character that exist beyond a title. While conversations did eventually lead to your professional title, it was refreshing not to begin with it.
The second reminder was my aunt saying that our self worth comes from more than a professional title. We all bring much more to the world, that come in the qualities of kindness, compassion, creativity, love, support and determination. Without my title, she said the qualities that underly the armour is the creative exploration and wonder.
Next time, take a moment to step back and think beyond the professional metallic armour that initially meets our eyes. Each of us has an amazing array of personality traits that can better reflect the unique individuals that we are.
