Who Do You Want To Become? It Matters

"Who do I want to become?" or "What do I want to be?"

Which question are you asking yourself? Your choice may determine the depth of your life, the wisdom in it, and the success of your career.

After watching a new CEO client begin his tenure at a global company I noticed his ease while listening, talking, giving direction, and saying, "I don't know. That sounds good to me. Go ahead and do it." (Whatever the "it" is).

What we’re really seeing here is a man who has, over a lifetime, decided to "become" the kind of person he wanted to be. I know for a fact that he didn't set out to be a CEO. In fact, he was invited into the role. The reason he received the invitation, I believe, rests in great part on who he is to the people around him.

Yet "who he is" was shaped by not ambitiously jumping into a position that was too far ahead of "who he was" at the moment. His career path shows a progression that was measured and steady, building solid relationships and new knowledge along the way.  And each step on the ladder reflected genuine accomplishment.

Now he has become a CEO; he doesn't have to play the role of CEO.

And that's the distinction between where the two questions above will lead you.

Who do you want to become?

Or, do you want to play a role?

Think about the difference. It will change your life.

 

Comments

[Wally Bock]

Wonderful distinction, Steve. Reminds me of my friend Jim Cathcart's advice to people facing a choice of any kind: "How would the person I want to be handle this?"

[Steve Roesler]

Thanks, Wally. That's a meaningful question and easy to remember.

[68leadergroup]

Great advice, even for a boomer like me. Much appreciated.

[Kyu]

Been asked about these 2 questions many times... and I have always thought they were the same. After reading this, I realized.. indeed they are different.

Now, I am reflecting on this.. "who do I want to become"

thanks again for the post.. It helps in my periodic self-evaluation...

[Steve Roesler]

68leadershipgroup

David, isn't it actually quite a surprise when we realize we're still on a roll and it ain't over til it's over?

Steve

[Steve Roesler]

Hello, Kyu

Pleased to know that this helped clarify the distinctions. Keep up those periodic self-evaluations; they can make a big difference in who you become, indeed.

[Susie Amundson]

These are great questions, Steve. I'll be quoting you on these!

The first one points toward being more connected with our human wholeness and our work. Where the second one, speaks to a more divided life's journey.

Thanks so much.

[Steve Roesler]

Susie,

I love being quoted. Rock it:-)

Hadn't thought about the division between the two in that way before...appreciate it.

Steve