Resetting Expectations
Just because it was who we were in the past, it doesn’t mean we have to be that person in the future. It’s time to reset.
In recent discussions, a pervasive theme has emerged: many of us are grappling with the challenge of reinventing ourselves, both professionally and personally. You’ve been on a transformative journey. Through insightful coaching, you’ve realised your true potential and honed your ability to articulate the skills you’ve been demonstrating all along. Now, you’re equipped with a clear vision for what you want in this next chapter of your life.
However, there’s a snag — everyone else seems to be lagging behind. They still see you as you were, not as you are now. You find yourself at a crossroads, and here are a few strategies you might consider:
1. Reset the Foundations
Schedule a meeting with your leaders to share your current ambitions. Clearly articulate how you’ve been demonstrating these new skills and traits.
2. Understand the Gap
Identify where you are versus where others perceive you to be. What’s causing this disconnect?
3. Be Intentional About Addressing the Gap
Actively work to close the perception gap and seek regular feedback on how your efforts are being received.
Alternatively, it might be time for a more drastic change. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, people cling to outdated perceptions. It might be disheartening, but it could also signal that it’s time to gracefully exit your current team, department, or even the company to start anew — this time, fully intentional about how you wish to be perceived, with all the credentials to back it up.
Consider this: last year’s Bank of America’s Labour report highlighted that while the average salary increase when leaving a job is around 13% (a dip from 20% during the pandemic), those who move with new skills and extensive experience can see increases up to 30%. In fact, one individual, who had remained with the same organisation for 12 years, leveraged their incredible experience and skillset to secure a whopping 56% increase.
So, for all of you who feel undervalued and overlooked, despite being superstars in your fields, it’s time to take intentional action. Don’t remain a sitting duck, waiting for others to recognise your worth.
Sometimes, the best way to reintroduce yourself is to make a bold move, ensuring your talents and transformations are both recognised and rewarded.
Embrace your new self, step into your power, and let the world see you as you truly are.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricegordon/
Patrice Gordon
Founder & Executive Coach
Patrice qualified as an Executive Coach in 2017 and since then has developed her practice to focus on females in the workplace, inclusive leadership and reverse mentoring. Her efforts on building an inclusive environment for all has been recognised internationally by Richard Branson, the TED leadership community & most recently, Brené Brown. She has a passion for helping people realise their potential which is what led her to developing a career in coaching. Currently supporting Women in Travel, Hospitality and Leisure as a panellist and a mentor for number of ambitious Women keen to climb the ranks in their respective organisations. She has coached leaders across FTSE 250 businesses and her commitment to helping others ‘be their best’, places her as one of the most astute personal and business coaches in the field today. https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-patrice-gordon-on-reverse-mentorship/
