Written by: Anna-Karin Lingham, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Perhaps you are back to work after your summer holidays, just like me. If so, do you notice that there may be a difference in which of your personality traits you bring forward in your work life compared to in your holiday life?
You may be efficient, focused, logical, and decisive at work – depending on the character of your work, of course. You meet the needs of your employer, clients, coworkers, and the projects you may run. But guess what? Well, you already know it. You are so much more than what you represent at work. Think about yourself during the summer holidays, when you might have taken a rest from your job mind. Which personality traits, talents, or situations did you make room for and prioritize? Creativity? Humor and laughter? Curiosity? Physical movement? Stillness? Lightheartedness?
When I speak about personal branding and ambassador branding, I always emphasize the importance of being yourself, of being genuine and transparent in any situation. That gives you a sense of consistency, and it also makes you trustworthy to others. It is easy to recognize and know what to expect from you. So although you adjust to different situations, for example, work, holidays or time with friends, you are still the same person. Some of your personality traits are more useful to you and others in certain situations, though, and others in others.
But what if you would bring more of your holiday personality into your work life? If you would allow yourself to be more complete, to make room for more fun, creativity, lightheartedness, curiosity – or whatever you may have a habit of putting aside in your holiday and spare time pocket?
A few years ago, I started painting again after leaving it aside for a long time in favor of other tasks and duties. I noticed that my creative mind started to flourish in a way that I had forgotten. This has influenced my job as a branding consultant. I can find better solutions, look at challenges from a wider perspective, and communicate with a more colorful language. Sometimes I even bring my paintings into workshops to illustrate a process or insight to my colleagues. I notice that it encourages and allows others to bring out their creative minds too.
You are unique. Your professional expertise may be held by someone else at work too, but when you add your personality, talents, and interests, no one is like you. And you are like no one else. You may solve problems and approach challenges in a certain way based on a shared and common process but spiced up with your creative mind. You may be able to ease a conflict or friction between coworkers with your leadership knowledge but completed with your good sense of humor and your lightheartedness. This will most likely bring in new and better results. And on top of that, you will have more fun at work as you give yourself more space to be yourself - all-inclusive.
So bring it on. Spice up your job life with some of your holiday traits. And keep them active as we move into new seasons.
Anna-Karin Lingham, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Anna-Karin Lingham is a branding expert with a great interest in both business and people. Since more than twenty years back, she has worked with marketing, branding, and business development both in Sweden and in an international arena. She has had leading roles in companies like the Axfood group, the global premium brand Hästens Beds, the health company Apotek Hjärtat and the sports fashion brand Björn Borg. She has launched the concept of Ambassador Branding, where corporate and personal branding meets great financial results, strong job satisfaction, and brilliant ambassadorship on the market.
Anna-Karin has been appointed Mentor of the year by the Stockholm Marketing Association. She has written a guidebook in personal branding and is an active business developer, speaker, and mentor. She is also an artist and outdoor adventurer, with a special fondness for high mountains. Her mission is to help companies and individuals to open their own windows and take place in greener and greater arenas.
