A Job Title is Not WHO You Are

You are SO much more than your current job title(s).

And, if you happen to be wanting to make a change of any kind, how you communicate who you are is a key component to determining where you can go, who can help you, and what next-step decisions you need to make to get "there."

As a start, here are some ideas for shifting from “empty” statements to “elevated” statements by leveraging an opportunity that you have almost every day. (If you are currently unemployed, it can also be something you dread - but you don’t have to!)

Introducing Yourself

Someone asks you: “What do you do?” There are 2 normal responses:

1. I’m the <job title> at/for <company/industry>”
2. “I’m a <area of expertise>”

They then say something like: “Cool. Ok.” ?[yawn]

Problems & Solutions

There’s (at least) two Problems – and endless missed opportunities – with that kind of “normal” interaction: Problem 1: ?What if they’re hiring and want to discern whether you – out of all the other people who have your experience – are a right fit for where they want to take their business? ?What if they are in a completely different industry and neither of you realize that you could help, and it would become your dream job/situation?

• Solution: Try describing the impact you have in your role(s). ?“I create/build/make/find…<insert impact and who you impact>.”

Problem 2: ?What if you do/have done many different things? ?(NOTE: This is VERY common with amazing people who make a significant impact in the world.) Do you recite the variety of very different things you do (this can be confusing or boring)? Do you choose one aspect of your life to share, depending on who you’re speaking with (i.e. not showing up fully)? ?And, if you’re updating your resume, do you worry your “variety” will be seen as “red flags”?

• Solution (same as above – and then add): “Throughout my career, whether as a <insert role>, <insert role>, or <insert role>, I create/build/make/find…<insert impact and who you impact>.

Read This

It's mindboggling to realize most people don't know (and value) the impact they create when they show up fully. Careers are built through the lense of job titles.

Reveal your impact, know it as truth, then learn how to communicate in ways that differentiate and connect you with your ideal scenario (i.e. people/businesses who need the impact you know how to (and LOVE) creating). This is a process that changes EVERYTHING in how you move through the world.

Some Examples

Here’s some real-life examples from some of the hundreds of coaching clients that have been through the process I teach.

• “I have a love for tackling big, systemic problems and throughout my career I help build strong, confident organizations – whether as an organizational consultant, executive leader or early in my career as a musician.”
• “I build bridges between performers, venues and resources to create powerful experiences for community enrichment.”
• “As a collaborative Executive Leader, author and Yogi, I create and lead human-centered organizations, stewarding resources so people thrive; translating goals into financial and operational outcomes and needs; and building and leading high performing teams.”
• “I help people connect with their missions and the community that supports them by creating a space of collaborative questioning, storytelling, and laughter… whether that is/was as a fundraising consultant, Chief Development Officer or Peace Corps Volunteer.
• Here’s mine at the moment: “I help people and organizations at Crossroad Moments, get unstuck and begin curating their dream scenarios – with joy, ease & financial sustainability…whether that is as a CEO, a Next Chapter Coach, a professional Interim CEO, a consultant, author, speaker, or mom!” ?

An Invitation

Give it a try and let me know the impact YOU create (and LOVE) to create!

To your success!

Kathryn

Your Next Chapter Coach

Creator of The Career (Life!) Breakthrough AcademyTM

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I coach people to break out of cycles of frustration and indecision and curate lives of impact and clarity of purpose - with ease, joy and financial sustainability.

You can find hundreds of past articles and free exercises HERE .

If you're at a "Crossroad Moment" and want to make a change of some kind, ?HERE' s a link to get on my calendar for a confidential, complimentary and compassionate Strategy Call to see if we're a g