Last evening I received an unexpected call from an acquaintance I’d worked with many moons ago. He raved about my career “progression” and his most recent accomplishment (which had absolutely nothing to do with me!) — completing his master’s degree in English Literature from the University of London, I kid you not, at least half a dozen times!
He wanted to know what else was “exciting in my life.” I shared a few details about my projects, including this site, to which, he mentioned a book that he’s been working on since 2015. And that it will be out by the middle of 2021.
And then he mentioned that he’s gone through some of my blog posts and found them a little too casual for someone who works with professionals — executives, senior leaders, and so forth. His advice was to tone it down a little, so it resonates with my target audience. Making that change will help them share my content more “freely” with their peers.
He felt that my work was a little too “immature” for the people I worked with.
Honestly, he had a point. But he missed the whole reason why the blog exists — it’s a reflection of how I see leadership, organisational behaviour, and the world. All I care about is projecting my voice through the platform that serves as an amplifier. Sure, it might not be as successful as some of the most popular blogs on this planet, but that’s not the goal.
The goal is to keep showing up and keep creating a body of work that resonates with who I am not who I want to work with. I’m not here to impress but express. And if that’s not good enough for my potential clients, employers, friends, family, or anyone else, that is fine. I just this fantastic piece by Elizabeth Gilbert to close off our conversation:
Recognising that people’s reactions don’t belong to you is the only sane way to create. If people enjoy what you’ve created, terrific. If people ignore what you’ve created, too bad. If people misunderstand what you’ve created, don’t sweat it. And what if people absolutely hate what you’ve created? What if people attack you with savage vitriol, and insult your intelligence, and malign your motives, and drag your good name through the mud? Just smile sweetly and suggest – as politely as you possibly can – that they go make their own f*cking art. Then stubbornly continue making yours.
Elizabeth Gilbert
I sent the above quote to this gentleman last evening and haven’t heard back. I am not expecting any response. He, however, has un-connected me on LinkedIn and un-friended me on Facebook.
See, life is good!