A Coaching Power Tool Created by Anna Lubrano
(Business Coach, SWITZERLAND)
In today’s complex and challenging environment, it is easier than ever to feel disoriented, angry, anxious, and lose sight of connection.
As human beings, we constantly look for a “routine” that gives us the ability to predict events and makes us feel in control of ourselves and others: we need stability and to feel protected and safe.
In a desperate attempt to achieve all this, we end up labeling things, feelings, experiences, and sometimes even people, and ourselves. We do it automatically and most of the time unconsciously.
Indeed, Labelling is precisely a metaphor to describe the process of getting “attached” (by ourselves and others) a definition that does not necessarily mirror the “reality”.
Labelling drives us in a process that defines categories, predicts results, makes us feel in control and efficient in achieving our goals.
People need to feel consistent with how they define themselves and others to such an extent that they end up seeing only what they believe and not what true reality is. When something happens that does not confirm this, we feel disoriented, confused and start thinking that someone or something is getting in the way, diverting our attention from our goals. How is it possible? we say when instead we are right and the holders of the”truth”.
These behaviors prevent us from being open to see new opportunities, gaining new information, seeing different options, changing our minds. Then, we end up developing a tunnel vision: we only see our goals to achieve.
Slowly, over time, labelling as a sign of narrow focus, causes exhaustion and loss of touch with ourselves, people around us, and what truly matters. The natural consequence? We live someone else’s life.
Branding means consciously recognize what makes us and others unique individuals, acknowledging strengths, qualities, values, skills, competencies, and attitudes: all vital resources not only to cope with our everyday challenges but also of essence to build our “personal brand”.
Focusing on traits of our unique selves encourages us to be authentic and allows our true selves to shine.
This makes us brave and confident human beings and gives us the right energy we need to achieve our goals by promoting our ability to create opportunities, see more options, and connect better with others.
Indeed, once learned our uniqueness, we also feel free from prejudice and more open to respect our and others’ uniqueness recognizing the contribution that every individual can give a human being.
This produces more innovation, creativity, and better decisions in both cooperative and competitive contexts strengthening teamwork.
Branding produces a clearer picture of reality and makes people able to challenge the status quo, labels, and attitudes that we and society promote. We reframe situations by focusing on opportunities rather than potential problems.
Our behaviors, once we are part of the action, can motivate others to follow us as our examples and stories can also change how others think.
Branding is the fruit of a deepened connections with ourselves, as this allows us to get to know who we are, what really drives us, where to find the purpose, and how to connect with people around us on a profound level.
It means letting people become more aware of their own traits of uniqueness to consciously choose how to “brand” themselves and make it visible to others.
References
Resonant Leadership, Richard Boyatzis – Annie McKee
Rebel Talent, Francesca Gino
