Your Harshest Critic (part 1)

ByDavid

Speaking of mentors and mentoring…

This conversation actually occurred while walking down the hall with a colleague. I don’t remember what we were discussing.

Senior faculty member: “Now, Dave, I’m my own harshest critic….”

Junior faculty member (me) in an exaggerated comforting voice: “Now, now… I really don’t think you are.”

A couple of key points:

  • This was my third incarnation as a junior faculty member. At my first one, I never would have said something like that even though I had many such opportunities. Instead, I kept my head down and my mouth shut, just as instructed.
  • At my second stop, I never had any reason to say something like that.
  • At my third and current job (where this took place), where now I’m a senior faculty member, I felt a level of comfort such that I had no trouble being… myself!

Even back then, it meant so much to know that my genuine self was accepted.

Feeling accepted. That matters in bringing out the best in people.

Are you accepted where you work?

Are you part of making someone else feel accepted too?

What do you think?

See you tomorrow.

#YaBurnt #Mentorship #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkplaceCulture #Acceptance #CareerJourney #PersonalDevelopment #WorkplaceRelationships #BeYourself #Authenticity #CareerAdvice #LeadershipLessons #WorkplaceWisdom #PersonalReflection