Don't be Yourself, Be More

In the field of leadership or personal development, we often hear the well-intentioned advice: "be your true self." However, while this notion sounds appealing and comforting, it may actually be limiting. What if, instead of simply being ourselves, we aimed to be more?

The predominant method in leadership development today is to use personality type assessments that aim at categorizing individuals into neat, defined boxes, colors or quadrants. While these tools can provide valuable insights into our preferences and tendencies, they often reduce us to a few characteristics, ignoring the complexity and potential within each person.

Indeed, we are more than just a few letters or colors on a chart. The essence of true leadership development lies in embracing the journey of discovering parts of ourselves that may be unknown, neglected, or even rejected. This journey is not about conforming to a type but about expanding our understanding of who we can become.

This concept is deeply rooted in Jung's theory of individuation, which emphasizes the process of integrating different aspects of the self to become more whole, more complete and more balanced. It's about recognizing and embracing the myriad facets of our personalities, skills, and potential. It's about the continual evolution of the self, pushing beyond the boundaries of what we think we are to uncover what we could be.

As leaders, our goal should be to foster environments that encourage this kind of growth. We should challenge our teams and ourselves to look beyond the familiar, to explore the depths of our potential, and to cultivate the diverse qualities that lie within us. This means moving away from rigid typologies and towards a more holistic approach to development.

The journey to "be more" is not easy. It requires courage, curiosity, and a willingness to venture into the unknown parts of ourselves. It demands that we confront our limitations and expand our horizons. But in doing so, we unlock new dimensions of our leadership and our humanity.

So, let's shift the narrative. Let's move beyond the comfort of simply "being ourselves" and embrace the challenge of "being more." In doing so, we not only enhance our own capabilities but also inspire those around us to embark on their own journeys of growth and discovery.

Leadership is not a static state but a dynamic process of becoming. And in this process, the possibilities are endless.