Are you still you?
James Hamilton
Founder, Hamilton Security Group, LLC | Personal Security Expert | Keynote Speaker |Former FBI Special Agent
I was speaking to a security professional the other day, someone I had worked with in the past, and he was asking me for advice on a career move. I never take these conversations lightly and pray I can offer something of value.
?As I listened to this young man’s predicament, it became clear that he was trying to decide on staying where he was or returning to an agency he had previously left. He listed all the problems with his current situation and all the perceived advantages of returning to his old organization. When he stopped talking, he asked me what I thought.
?I said, “Are you still you?”
?He froze. He stopped talking and started to really think - the one thing that I sincerely wanted for him. I wanted to know if he was the same person who I once knew. He said he was. I told him a new job will not bring peace or fulfillment or whatever he envisions as “happiness.”
?Because I knew in that moment that he had not done the hard work, yet. He had not taken the brave step into true self-evaluation. The difficult, painful, and often ugly step into understanding the question: Who the hell am I?
?Without that knowledge, his move to another agency, or staying with the current one, will not bring him joy. Because the old agency has not changed. The same people and the same problems are still there. I told him, if he did return, when the newness fades, he will begin to complain and become disillusioned. He will see injustice and begin to look again. Why? Because he is looking for and desperately wanting the approval of others. This does not satisfy.?
?I suggested he perform a self-evaluation. Though difficult, I asked him to go through the process – the forging. The forging process delivers a very strong product, but first, the material must survive the intense pressure and heat. It is difficult for the substance as it is pounded into shape, but it must be endured.
The finished product is someone who knows who they really are and why they do what they do. It produces strength, the kind of strength that allows the person to look in the mirror and say: “I know you, I know what you have been through, I know what you can handle, and I do not need the approval of others.”
领英推荐
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
?
Senior Vice President, Associate Services
8 个月Nice one, James!
Vice President, Head of Global Security & Crisis Management
9 个月James Hamilton you continue to serve others in varied ways that are inspiring! Thanks for sharing this simple, yet powerful and reflective perspective. Hope you are doing well!
Behavioral Threat Assessment | Higher Ed Risk Assessment Coordinator | Safety Advocate and Violence Prevention | M.A. Forensic Psychology
9 个月Thanks for sharing. He is fortunate to have you as a mentor! The ability to be introspective can benefit all.
Cyber Threat intelligence / Threat Modeling / Post Quantum Cryptography
9 个月Initially, I thought the discussion would be about how a person transforms after serving in an operational role. However, James rightly brought up the significance of embracing oneself for who they are. In any organization, people often seek a secure job and a badge to feel protected, while others join to safeguard others and are willing to sacrifice themselves for it. The main question of the day that everyone must ask themselves is whether they remain true to their identity. Are you still you?
CEO and President at Dennis Security and Professional Services
9 个月Hello James. As always you continue to share your experience and wisdom with others. Your post speaks to circumstances that I have found myself in recently. I have journeyed the process you described from a different perspective. As a professional, we are effective when we are ourselves; whether that be making unpopular decisions or speaking truth to a situation. Often times being a professional is uncomfortable as people are judgmental. Alway be true to yourself so that you do not live with regrets. Thank you for continually contributing to our profession. Stay safe