New Year, Real You
New Year, Real You: Beyond the Job Title
Hello!
First week back at work? How's that holiday clarity holding up?
It's fascinating how different everything can look after a break. Maybe you've returned energised with fresh perspectives, or perhaps you're sitting at your desk wondering if this is really what you want to be doing in 2025. Both are perfectly normal - in fact, they're valuable signals worth paying attention to.
We've been diving into some fascinating insights lately - particularly on career identity and succession. Here's a thought experiment that feels especially relevant as we settle back into our routines:
Imagine your successor has taken over your role.
What would they do differently? What changes would they make that you've been hesitant to implement?
But before you answer, consider this - are you viewing the question through the lens of who you are, or just what you do? There's a crucial difference, especially at this time of year when we're all a bit more contemplative about our paths forward.
What the data tells us
Research shows that leaders who regularly engage in structured self-reflection are more likely to demonstrate innovative thinking, while those who over-identify with their careers often struggle with change and personal growth.
Key takeaway: When we define ourselves solely by our professional roles, we limit our ability to evolve and adapt.
When it goes wrong
Last year, we coached a senior manager who had spent five years building an impressive team and establishing robust processes. When asked what her successor might change, she struggled to answer - not because there weren't opportunities for improvement, but because she had become so intertwined with her role that imagining anyone else in it felt impossible.
This identity crisis meant she was viewing potential changes as personal threats rather than opportunities for growth. It took stepping back and recognising that she was more than her job title to finally embrace necessary changes and, ironically, become even better at her role.
A simple solution
We've developed a three-step approach to meaningful reflection that considers both professional growth and personal identity:
Start with succession: Before diving into goals and aspirations, imagine stepping away from your role. What would your successor change? What opportunities would they seize? What sacred cows would they question? This perspective often reveals our blind spots and untapped opportunities.
Connect with your whole self: Review your proudest moments from 2024 - both in and outside of work. Which activities aligned with your core values? Where did you feel most energised? Use these insights to guide your 2025 direction. Remember, your job is something you do, not who you are.
Dream, then do: Create a vision for 2025 that bridges the gap between where you are and where your 'successor' would take things, while honoring your complete identity. Break this down into actionable steps you can start today.
For the month of January - we’ve got a downloadable PDF template to walk you through the process. To download, simply subscribe to our Newsletter or comment "Me please" and we will send you a link.
The result
When you combine honest reflection with a healthy perspective on career identity, you become not just a better professional, but a more complete and resilient person.
Ready to start your reflection journey? Subscribe to our newsletter to receive your free reflective guide and begin shaping your 2025 story.
We would love to hear your thoughts
How has your perspective shifted after the break? What changes are you ready to embrace in 2025? Drop us a comment or send us a message.
If you found this helpful, tag a colleague and inspire some reflection before 2025 takes off. And subscribe to our newsletter, so you never miss an update.
Thank you for reading.
See you next time, Amy + Kiri
