Beyond Labels: Unleashing Executive Adaptability

Identity labels, much like the masks we wear, can both define us and confine us. They help shape our sense of self and place in the world, but when worn rigidly, they can limit our growth, innovation, and adaptability. The key is learning to wear these masks lightly, understanding they can be changed or even removed. This flexibility is particularly essential for leaders navigating the ever-evolving landscapes of business and personal growth.

I'd like to share the story of a coaching session with Caroline (a composite character based on multiple clients I've worked with), an American marketing executive based in Singapore. She was looking to shake off the stagnation in her career, having held the same role with the same pay for several years since returning to work after her daughter's birth. The issue, we discovered, was that Caroline was tightly gripping onto certain identity labels that no longer served her.

“I am not this, I am not that.”

Together, we decided to challenge these labels: a marketing executive, an American, a mother, a woman, a wife, and, most daunting of all, a cancer survivor. This process is not about outright rejection or denial, but about loosening the grip on the labels, acknowledging their fluidity, and allowing for the possibility of change.

This exercise is both subtle and profound. As we began, Caroline repeated each label to herself, prefaced with "I am not" and accompanied by air quotes – a playful yet powerful way to encourage her subconscious mind to critically examine the subjective meanings attributed to these labels.

Throughout this process, we acknowledged the complexities and emotional weight associated with each label. We agreed that it was not about discarding these identities, but about questioning which aspects of them still served her and which did not. And, more importantly, it was about empowering Caroline to choose.

Loosening the grip on labels is a significant act — it opens up space for growth, adaptability, and potential to reimagine one's excellence.

As Caroline started to acknowledge and let go of her outgrown labels, she found new strength and vision to address challenges at her workplace. Her newfound perspective led her to pen a powerful memo addressing the company's outdated identity, which subsequently went viral in her organization, sparking crucial conversations about change and evolution.

It's essential to remember: This tool is about fostering flexibility in our self-perception. We are not bound by our labels. We can choose to change, grow, and evolve. As leaders, acknowledging this fluidity allows us to remain adaptable, innovative, and open to continuous learning. We become capable of more than just reacting to change; we become architects of it. It starts with understanding that we are more than the labels we assign ourselves.

This process is complex and often emotionally charged. I encourage anyone who wishes to embark on this journey to consider seeking professional guidance. Having a coach or therapist at your side can provide valuable support, especially when dealing with deeply ingrained or trauma-related identities. This exercise is about enabling you to navigate your own transformation, remembering that you hold the power to shape your identity, and ultimately, your leadership journey.