Last week I had to attend an industry work function; had to as there was no choice, it's part of my role to represent my organisation at such things and despite not liking these events I attend, do my job and deal with the fact I'd rather be anywhere else but there.
The event was in the convention centre and there were around a thousand people there (making it easy to blend in) and I was there to listen to a few speakers and, more importantly, speak with various others who were there for the same reason. A lot of business is done in forums like this and I managed to get a lot of value from the day.
It was a lunch time thing that ran through to the afternoon and there was a more casual dinner event later in the evening which I also attended - the benefits of attending will not be apparent for months ahead although I feel confident my time was well invested.
We don't all represent a company or organisation but we all represent ourselves every day and how we do that has implications on us and others.
I have represented myself badly in the past and may again in the future, I'm human after all, however I work hard to represent as well as possible; it's not just so others perceive me well or relate to and like me, I do it for myself, for my own self-respect and so I can look in the mirror and say I was my best self possible, at least on that particular day. If I can string three hundred and sixty five of those days together I can look back and say I've had a good year; that's my take on it anyway.
I don't get down on myself about those times I represent poorly, I see them for what they are, evaluate and make plans to rectify and change what went wrong; in that way I move in better directions and more confidently. How I represent myself personally and professionally makes a difference to my outcomes as it does for others and I believe that those outcomes are worth trying a little harder for.
How do you perceive your own representation in professional and personal situations? Are you always your best self or are you human like the rest of us and represent badly, or not as well as you would like, at times? What elements do you build on and which do you work to change; what outcomes do you seek and how does it feel when you achieve them? Feel free to comment below if you'd like.
Design and create your ideal life, tomorrow isn't promised - galenkp
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It is good that you have that attitude to rectify and improve, it should be like that every day for everyone, It would be very good to always ask for advice from your partner or a trusted colleague. Humility is always the best presentation.
Do you feel you represent to others in a good way and if so, then why?
I don't think I represent anyone, to represent anyone I would have to be in a position of power. As a leader. I have made many mistakes in life, but I have also learned from each one of them. Every day I try to improve. Even though I keep stumbling, my goal is to never give up.
Well, you represent yourself all the time right?
I like to portray myself as the guy you go to when you need to get things done. I like to be seen as positive, efficient, persuasive, and a consistent achiever.
I try to be my best self, but there have been times I've slipped to a degree. I can typically compartmentalize insults from customers, sarcastic remarks, etc., but one thing that pushes my "buttons" is technology failing to the point that it hinders my ability to perform. I had one such day where I was noticeably upset, to the point that one of the upper tier supervisors stopped me to ask if I was OK. In all of my years with the company, that was the first time I'd been so visibly frustrated and let my guard slip that the question was asked.
Later, I was brought in by upper management to work with IT to troubleshoot the problem. My inadvertent slip had made them realize that if someone at my level was being affected to that extent and I'm never noticeably unhappy or frustrated, then how bad are things with other employees? It ended up being a very refreshing thing to see upper management quickly mobilize help to address not only my issue, but what was likely affecting everyone else and everyone else was reluctant to say anything.
I think we all try to be our best selves. We can't be perfect, but we can pursue excellence, which is achievable. The more we strive for excellence, the closer we get, the fewer times we fail, and the less impactful and significant our failures become in the grand scheme of things.
I've applied a continual improvement ethos because perfection is unobtainable (it doesn't exist) and a pursuit of excellence is another form of continual improvement so it's a good wat to go I'd say.
We all slip, I'm had some humdingers over the years and look back now and laugh at a few, and cringe too, but all were learned from and that's what counts I think. It's led to me to a position of being the go-to guy also, I like that, and I mean professionally and no-professionally...it's all about how we represent because how we do so* dictates how people respond.
Thanks for commenting.
Hi Galen, this topic is one of my weak points. I think I am a very good professional, but in life that is not enough. I recognize that I should be in places where I am not and have more relationship with certain people to grow in my profession. In the last two years I have made some progress... but it's hard for me. I'm self-employed, and I'm still reluctant to believe that part of my professional growth depends on social relationships and not on a job well done. These are my contradictions. Best regards
It's a balance I think. I don't get social with my clients, not on a personal level, but there's a certain requirement I guess, they have to feel comfortable from a professional and human to human perspective; people want to deal with people they like. Relationships are very important in business, especially in what I do.
I understand that, just as I understand that in a job interview the candidate should present himself with the best possible image, simply because it is a sign of attitude and commitment to the job and the company where he wants to work. And you are right, it is a question of balance. It's been 20 years since I left the society where I trained, which automatically means less clientele. My experience is that psychotherapy societies tend to become pyramidal businesses, where the talent that really counts in the end is the family background and good social relations. However, you have to be there. The result is that it is difficult for me to take the steps I should take.....
It seems to me that this matter is something you think about and would like to move forward and that means you'll do so, one way or another and that will bring progression.
You read my comment very well, beyond what is written, I am already doing things.
It is true that when we present ourselves to others we are not only representing a company or a job but also ourselves and the important thing is to do our best.
That's what I try to do every time, to be myself, to be transparent and to make myself known as I am. But it has happened to me that in the past I have misrepresented myself, before I was very withdrawn, serious and often I could come across as unfriendly and little by little I have changed that. It has done me good and I represent myself much better.
Ii try not to get too personal in business situations, show too much of my personal self, however I am genuinely me all the time - a version appropriate for the situation - and *always show personality. It seems to get the results.
That's what matters and by being genuine those results come by themselves as a consequence. People notice those details.
I try to do the best I can when I am in situations like that. Sometimes I don't have much of a filter. Sometimes it just depends if it is the sort of function where liquid courage is involved. It breaks down some walls that maybe shouldn't be fully broken down sometimes. That's the reason that my wife and I don't typically go to after hours work functions. I was just at a conference a couple of weeks ago and I agree with you about the importance of canoodling. Many times the networking with others is more valuable than anything you might learn from a speaker in a single session.
I never (extremely rarely) drink alcohol at these functions, I like to stay sharp and allow others not to be so sharp as they consume more alcohol...they say things they probably shouldn't and I gain valuable intel that I can use later in in business dealings with them. Sneaky? Nah, that's what my organisation pays me for. 😊
That makes a lot of sense. I don't really go to functions like this often and the ones I do go to others are usually a bit more off the wagon than me. I probably still say somethings I shouldn't occasionally.
Lol, we have all been there done that...I learned from it though, made sure I learned the skills of how to keep other people talking rather than talk overly much myself...it's paid incredible dividends over the years.
Me ? Human ??? Perish the thought !
😆
I don't know how I present all the time, but that's a funny subject to me, because I have thought people took me the wrong way at times.
I have always liked the person that I am. I know my heart, my mind and my intent and I don't operate with malice.
That doesn't mean I've done the right thing all the time. A few times I tripped up accidently and a few more times I jumped in with both feet to do things I knew would not be considered appropriate in general. Fortunately, that wasn't most of the time and I haven't gotten myself into too much trouble.
I've always walked the line at work or at work functions. They only need to know one side of me, the side that is responsible and does what it takes.
Hello alien! Lol.
Your last line is so true. I said in another comment that I don't show my personal side at work much at all, just personality, and I focus on doing the job they pay me for to the best of my ability. I'm not there for a social event but being sociable and personally is part of how I represent myself. It's an interesting topic I think and the diversity of job roles would mean there's different angles.
Anyway, I hope this translates into your alien language and that some day you get to return to your home planet.
Nano Nano ! 🤣
I understand what you are saying earthling.
..but ... ummm... I can't go back there. I was a different kind of person...er... uh... well...BEING.... before I got to earth. I believe a lot stuff was on fire there when I left and they somehow were looking at ME. Can't believe I'm stuck here now with all you nitwits, but I'm trying to make the best of it.
Well, what you don't know it's that I'm an alien too, sent here by my leader to review and evaluate earthlings and then report back. I've had enough and want to end my assignment but my leader says I have to stay ang gather more intel before I return to my home planet. So, I'm stuck here for now.
How revolting !
Reviewing and evaluating earthlings? I would have thought you could have summed that up in about 10 minutes and already been back there recommending that they blow up this place!
That made me laugh to type that. ankank ankank ankank......
Lol...well in truth I did that, took me nine minutes...but my spacecraft blew a gasket on entry and I'm waiting on parts...so can't return yet. So, I'm stuck here for the moment...unless I can borrow your space ship?
You've heard of Roswell? Well... .that was me. I don't look like they say though. Been here a long time, not much left of the ship but garbage when I got out and most of that is spread out all over America as souvenirs ! Damn earthlings !
Those work events are certainly a mixed bag of emotions. A lot of “this is lame” and “I would rather be out hiking” but we endure for the benefits later.
I’ve got a few things in mind for how I represented myself poorly and some stick in my mind quite sorely but those are the ones we learn from the most, as sad as it is to say. The thing we can try to focus on and make sure is that we don’t make the same mistakes twice if possible, to avoid future issues or embarrassments.
I think being able to string weeks and months into itself for being our best self is a great goal, it’s not easy but it’s the right thing to do for our family and loved ones.
I don't believe anyone has represented themselves well 100% of the time and anyone who says it, well, I'll happily call them a liar. The human condition means we are imperfect, all of us.
Anyway, as you say, learning from those times we do it wrong, is the way forward; it's much better than getting down on oneself and means the path forward will be more aligned with our needs. Alas, many continue to do the same thing expecting different results - the definition of madness.
My eternal struggle...
How to improve the way I present myself to other colleagues, known and unknown.
An introverted person like me, who doesn't like public performances, sometimes behaves like a prickly pig, raises his spines, as a protection from the environment 🙂
With those thorns, it is very difficult to be pleasant and well accepted in society.
I work on myself and my behavior, various trainings and courses.
Constantly...
As long as a person is working towards improving I think they are on the right track; it's those who don't make any effort to seek personal improvement that are self-limiting.
Good morning boss, I can relate with you.
As company employee, being a representation to a certain event like attending fame shows, attending seminar and team buildings is not that an easy. It is really hard to mingle people with not at your level but the reason that I was representing my company so I'd listen very well to the speaker and shared it afterwards to my boss not really my best but as best of my knowledge and understanding.
What elements do I work to change? Uhm, I think nothing change on how to handle my subordinates but I have something to add for it. Which for me, a good leader must show respect, it must be responsible enough, must be objective, must bear patience inorder to manage the attitude of every of my people and lastly a good leader must be honest in everything.
You have nothing to change about yourself in respect of how you represent? Ok, you must be an amazing leader. Well done!
Thank you boss, thanks also for sharing an interesting topic that made interest to someone else.
I don't really fancy social gatherings. Hehe, I believe in staying on my bed rather than going out. However, in a situation such as this, I try my possible best to be who I truly am, which is why I agree with this statement.
No matter what, I believe we should always try to represent ourselves well, not because of what people will say but because of us. Our individual self and self-respect which you mentioned.
I agree, the benefits of representing ourselves well are huge, not least of which is self respect. It also helps to open and nurture better relationships and other benefits arise from them as well.
Yes, that's right. Our attitude speaks a lot, and we don't know where we might get to meet those people again. So, I do agree.
I think I represented my company well. I was professional, and I try to be the best version of myself. But when I'm out in public, I tend to not care about what people think. I wouldn't be smiley or friendly, I'll just keep to myself.
You don't care what people think in public? I like to represent myself well in all situations, I do it for my own self-respect and feel it's the best way forward.
That's good.
I think we are all human - but my bosses might think otherwise! For me, it's a little more challenging than the rest because I am more introverted than most people, so I need to step out of my comfort zone and do things that are not so natural to my usual self, e.g. making small talk. At the end of the day, it's a job and I just have to be professional about it.
Yep I agree with you, when it comes to our jobs we need to push the envelope a little, be professional, and that may take us out of our comfort zone a little. It's not a bad thing, but can seem very awkward.
I don't think anyone is "always" their best self. There are bad days and good days. Personally I try to ensure the good days outnumber the bad days.
I learnt from my days by considering what I could have done differently and implement the change or try to.
Hmm yeah, I think I said something like this in my last two paragraphs; obviously you agree.
For me representation needs to be perfectly but In order to become perfect, I must really do the right thing and trying my best.
I felt very happy if I will achieved a good results of my representation, I will become proud to myself and be more consistent by doing those things perfectly.
You might like to reconsider your pursuit of perfection as it's not possible, perfection does not exist. Maybe you should simply seek continual improvement, it's a more productive pursuit.
You are right Sir, All people have mistakes, but simple imperfections can help us to make a good representation to other people. Confidence is a must. ☺️
I think what I meant is that in pursuing continual improvement one improves and working towards that is a good representation of the character a person.