Labels are meant for things, not people. They are #fantastic for #organizing files, documents and projects, but they are miserable and harmful when applied to people. Why? A file "is what it is" but people are wonderfully complex beings that are extremely adept at putting on masks to the outside world. Even with the mask off, we humans are rather inept at being able to see beneath the surface of another soul.
There are young #professionals who embody ancient souls, and there are 'grey hairs' who hold more new #ideas and #innovation in a single pinky finger than teams of #innovators half their age. Yet, I have seen the young and old mislabeled frequently.
Labels on humans mislead and harm.
They harm progress, collaboration, and transformation. They close our #minds to #new #information, especially if it contradicts the label we have already placed on someone.
We express "surprise" when we observe someone doing something we had labeled "impossible" for them to accomplish.
'Surely, they changed!' We tell ourselves rather than admit that perhaps it was our judgement that was wrong all along.
The solution? Keep your label maker where it belongs in the kitchen drawer and never use it on people lest you end up embarrassing yourself.
#inspiredleaders #2020leaders #leadwithhart
ALSO ON LINKEDIN:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/karolynzhart_fantastic-minds-new-activity-6620390204014415872-Y0lu/
