Imagine the frustration of a recruiter or hiring manager when you can’t describe who you are. Telling someone who you are is not the list of tasks you have done for the last 20 years nor your job titles.
“I am” statements are powerful because they declare the needs of the world you are moved to meet.
Reflect on the recent election. John McCain’s statement? “I am a Maverick.” Barack Obama’s? “I am Hope. ” His campaign’s “Yes we can.”
Last weekend as I reflected on the Easter message, I was reminded of the “I am statements” which Jesus used in his teachings. “I am the light of the world.” “I am the door to eternal life.”
Bold. Clear. Concise. Undeniable.
Declaring who you are when it doesn’t align with what others have prescribed for you can be scary. In the words of the Dixie Chicks, “It can get pretty lonely when you show yourself.” Perhaps the death of who you or others thought you are is what makes this all so risky, but risk brings rewards.
Declare who you are. Let go of self deprecating behavior. Bravely embrace your “I am-ness” and step away from the other identities that are no longer serving your highest interests. Therein lays the power. It is also very helpful for those around you that want to help you find your next position. The death of who you are not can precipitate the life of who you are.
Yes, this is marketing and I get impatient with people who want me to figure it out for them. Recently a client said to me, “They should know, I’ve worked here for 10 years.” Another client said that he had everything on his resume and “shouldn’t they be able to figure it out?” Well… no! It is all about what you do, what you will do, and what is the best fit for you. They don’t know until you tell them.
I am currently working with a client who describes himself as an implementer. He will take a goal, develop action plans, order supplies, organize the people, and drive towards successful implementations.
Can you see how easy it to fit this person into an organization? Who doesn’t need an implementer? Any business could use his expertise. So we have the first part of his marketing plan. Now what type of industry or company would he like to work in? Developing the target market and companies will help him as he networks his way to the next position. Now if he is offered a job that is not implementer work, he will pass knowing it is someone else’s job.
My key “ I am” statement is: “I am a transformer – I assist individuals and companies in rediscovering who they are and their impact on their customers. I transform their own information back to them in a way that allows them to embrace and tell others who they are. I am also a mentor and teacher aligning closely with the previous statement.
I want to thank the Coach Training Institute for introducing me to this concept. My “I am” was developed during my coach training and I have refined my thinking about the power of declaring over the years. I believe this is the single most effective exercise for helping individuals and organizations to wake up and consciously create work that works.
What impact do you have in your world? What is your “I am” statement?
