Exposure

I have a great boss. I’ve only had one or two in my entire working adult life, and my current one is definitely one of the best.

In the manner of great bosses (technically she’s my ‘people leader’ which is the consulting term for mentor + boss), she is proficient at her work, empathetic, calming, and a grounded leader who cares about her people doing the best work they can.

For the coming year she posted a question in our team chat:

A Fresh Start

Question: What’s one word or intention you want to carry into the new year?

An older version of me would have found the question hokey, or too ‘feelingsy’ to respond to. But this is what a good leader does: makes you want to participate. To show up. To deliver.

So I gave it a go and responded with

Exposure

I didn’t feel fully aligned to ‘authenticity’ or ‘transparency’. I think I live quite authentically to my values. And the idea of sharing every thought and detail via a social media platform doesn’t feel ‘me’ either. But I am realizing that not showing my work, talking about my accomplishments, showcasing my projects is hindering my growth. I’ve limited my surface area under the guise of being a ‘quiet professional’ and ‘being humble’ or ‘letting my work speak for itself.’ In reality, it’s been a way to reduce my attack surface. Not shining a light means not being seen means not facing the critique that growth mandates. It also means not finding the “right” things.

Wrapping Up with Key Insights

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