Move over Enneagram, DiSC, MBTI…The Thanksgiving personality assessment is here!

We love labeling ourselves: Introvert/Extroverts, The Achiever, strategic, Aquarius (:D), free-spirited... and as I prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend, I wondered if our work personas were a Thanksgiving dish, what would it be?

After an unnecessary number of iterations, here's how I thought about the personas represented by each Thanksgiving food:?

Turkey, The (high maintenance) star

They're the centerpiece of the project/organization/initiative. Whether you like them or not, it will only feel complete with them. They need a lot of attention and care, but they can be the deciding (risky) factor of success.

Stuffing, The connector

They meld together the team's different "flavors." They can be prepared in or outside the superstar turkey, and when they are "dry," everyone notices. They synthesize for the team and soak up any extra work in a pinch.

Mashed Potatoes, The reliable one

Dependable year-round and happy to be a creamy, comforting layer of familiarity under the superstar, they're the foundation that holds the team together without needing the spotlight, regardless of the situation.

Gravy, The problem-solver

They add richness to everything they touch: too dry? Add the gravy. Too bland? Add more gravy. Does the plate look undone? Add even more gravy. They complement everything and are flexible team players who can resolve conflicts.?

Cranberry Sauce, The creative thinker

It's colorful and different and brings an unexpected "zing" to projects. Often underestimated, it's there to brighten up the team without too many high-maintenance calories. It only needs a little preparation and can even come out of a can, but it still makes you say, "Ooh, that really adds something."

Green Bean Casserole, The structured planner

Healthy, steadfast, and a little predictable, they add crunch to the team, ensuring every detail is accounted for and no vitamins (ahem, tasks) go overlooked. Little cream and fried onions help them blend in with the team and soften the harshness.?

Yams with marshmallows?– The personality

They're sweet, genuine, and bring harmless humor. They might sometimes come across as a little extra (do we really need marshmallows at dinner?), but they are an occasional delight we can't decline. Are they a must have at every table? No, but without them you also miss the sweet delight to balance the saltiness of others.

I think I am the cranberry sauce: I brighten and complement whatever challenge you throw me onto, and I don't seek to be a standalone star. I am sure you have your favorites and dislikes, and what's important is that together, they create a dynamic blend that balances, complements, and elevates everyone's contributions.

I left off the desserts because there should be no disagreement that the pumpkin pie is the best. Goes well with cranberries too ???

So, how are you showing up to the (team) table? Let me know below ??

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WHERE YOU AT

This year I launched a new exciting series called “Where you at” in my newsletter, “Frying Bigger Fish.”?This series explores diverse professional journeys and asks questions we all want to know, like: How did you figure out your career goals? Are you happy at your job? How much do you make? We are collecting anonymous submissions for full journeys or questions/dilemmas. Come be nosy, comment, and ask your own questions!