Role Confusion as a Professional Ally

There are many roles in professional life. Making meaning of the roles is to recognize what they are, which ones you were born into, what roles you chose, what roles were assigned to you, and what roles you most identify with. Take time to think about the roles you need, which roles are more important now, and how the roles aid, as well as detract from, career and personal growth.

Easier said than done... But confusion is a state of being that allows for curiosity. As you think about roles of the past, present, and future, it's proof that change is a part of career building. This ability to change yourself is crucial to the growth process. Refusal to take on certain roles at this point is also part of the journey. Saying “No” to a role creates needed boundaries.?

Here are some prompts to start turning confusion into an ally:

• Think of a time when you had to shift from one role to another. What did it accomplish?
• Which of your current roles was your choice and which ones were not?
• What are some of the roles you have had to, or would like to, let go of??
• What is a role you play in multiple professional settings??
• What roles might help you become less stuck? Motivate you? Act as an ally rather than keeping you stuck??

Once these questions are pondered and built upon, career growth can be seen as adjacent to flexibility within roles and situations. From this thoughtful way of articulating needs and structures within teams and individuals, fluidity is born. At this point, every opportunity, no matter if it is a vertical or horizontal move, is a "learn-while-you-earn" opportunity.