We’re All Individuals

Sorry, but there are some things that just stick in my mind. For example, I am embarrassed to say that I just love the part in Monte Python’s “Life of Brian” where someone shouts to the crowd (and I paraphrase), “You are all individuals.” And they shout back in unison, “We are all individuals,” whereupon one person shouts out, “I’m not!”

So, are you an individual?

I can hear you say, “Of course.” Okay, prove it.

There are some times and places where fitting into a crowd is important. For example, when you’re playing a sport, fitting in is essential. That’s one of the reasons that uniforms are important. They say to others, and especially the team members, that we’re all in this together.

But while looking for a job can have the elements of a team sport, in the end, you really need to be you. You need to show that you’re unique. After all, there are probably dozens of people who do pretty much what you do. For example, I can’t count the number of grant proposal writers that I know.

So your career move is to reflect on what makes you unique. What is it about you that makes you different enough so that an employer sees that YOU are the one they want because your individuality meets their needs?

Your unique attributes do not need to be huge. In fact, subtle can be good. But what is essential is that you know what makes you unique, so that when the crowd is saying, “Hey, we’re all the same,” you can shout, “I’m not!”

Do You Represent … the Lollipop Guild?

Probably not. I can’t imagine anyone I know wearing lederhosen and greeting a visitor with a song — short or tall! But what can we learn from those three dedicated sugar workers?

First, they were clearly proud of their work. Second, they weren’t afraid to tell anyone about it. And third, maybe the most important, was that they knew, and told Dorothy, that they were there on behalf of more people than themselves.

Clearly the Lollipop Guild was an important part of each of their lives. The Guild was probably their support system and their friends. Each depended on the Guild for their identity and livelihood.

So, who is your “Lollipop Guild”?  With whom do you have a mutually dependent relationship? Are you proud to tell people?

How is this a career move? Because every time you go out to meet someone, you represent someone else. It could be your organization (The Confectioner’s Museum?) or your family. It could just be you and your cat. But whoever that is, just like the diminutive souls who were excited enough to sing their welcome to a teenage girl and her dog, you know that someone stands behind you … and that you’re there for them.

Imperfect Action …

Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction.

I’ve seen this in action a lot, lately. Someone needs to get a proposal “just right” before it gets out the door. Someone needs to know “one more thing” before seeing a prospect. Another person wants to make sure that the curtain color is an exact match with the tablecloths before the rest of the event is planned.

I can appreciate anyone’s interest in making sure that the details in life are addressed … to a point. After all, we’re human, and humans aren’t machines.

How is this a career move?

Yes, you’re human. You will make a typo in a cover letter. You’ll say the wrong thing in an interview. You’ll misjudge a reference. Getting your next job isn’t about being perfect, it’s about how you react to NOT being perfect.

If you get a chance to recover, super. Resubmit the letter. Apologize for the mistake. Find another name to give. But even if you can’t, just make sure that being imperfect doesn’t make you so focused on being so perfect that you never try again.

I always get my way. Don’t you?

I always get my way. Don’t you?

Of course I don’t! Not getting our way is just part of life. It’s something we learn very early in our time on this earth. So the question is not just whether you get your way or not … it’s what you do when you don’t and what you do when you do.

For example, when was the last time you heard a donor say, “Yes”? Whether it was for $25 in a direct mail piece or $100,000 in a major gift ask, I’ll bet it made you smile. After that, you probably called or wrote to thank the donor, and maybe you told someone else. All good, normal things to do.

But the real test … what happened when they said, “No”? Did you stamp your feet and melt into a puddle of tears? Probably not. Maybe you sulked for a bit and commiserated with a colleague. That’s okay. But how did you respond to the donor? Did you ignore them in spite, or did you send a nice letter telling them that while you were disappointed, you understand and wish them well? It makes a difference … to them and to you.

How is this a career move? Just like asking for funds is a great model for a job search, not getting a gift is a great model for reacting to not getting a job.

Yes, it will happen. In fact, since only one person ultimately ends up with the job, you’ll probably have more “noes” than “yeses.” How you react, not just to the employer, but to yourself, is critical to your chances to win the next opportunity.