11 March 2014
Legend's in their own Lunchboxes
Let me introduce you to a legend for the new age. A
truly iconic superhero. A beacon in the dark of troubled times. His
super powers are spoken of in hushed reverent tones. His reach
unimaginable and his skill-set enormous. Who is this clearly
unmasked man? Why it's captain Lunch Box.
Capatin Lunch Box is entertaining and people orientated with
only one visible stain on his costume; Ego.
Ego has long been seen as a dirty word in Australia, where
humility is a quality that we value as highly as any other. It is
an unhealthy obsession with our own self worth and the basis for
the public outcry that is often described as Tall Poppy
Syndrome.
Are we wrong for discouraging self promotion in Australian
business, social circles in even at the family dinner table? Well
yes and no. Keeping the Ego in check is a worthwhile cause in my
book.
What I do think is that there is a big difference between having
a swollen head and an a bucket of inflated stories to match
and having a healthy sense of acheivement and self worth.
The difference between a Legend and a Legend in their own
Lunchbox becomes crystal clear to us when reading resumes. The
document used to sell ourselves and promote our skills. Here's how
it breaks down:
An EGO based resume
- Claims team acheivements as personal acheivements
- Uses big words and catch phrases in place of data
- Name drops even on vague possible once upon a time
aquaintence
A SKILLS based resume
- Lists accomplishments and acknowledges group effort
- Uses numbers and facts to demonstrate value
- Lists referees of people who can speak of their work ethic and
character
Some of the most accomplished people I have ever met under sell
themselves. This is wrong. Some of the least accomplished people I
know tell the world they invented the map. This is also wrong.
There is nothing wrong with being proud of your acheivements.
There is nothing wrong with sharing them. But don't be a Legend in
your own Lunchbox. It is a surefire way to disappoint the people
you are trying to impress. People who would be really happy to hear
you say 'I don't know how to do that but I would love to
learn.'
Plus, you know you really shouldn't wear spandex in public after
that last incident.