If I had my way, I’d eliminate the words ‘just a’ from
our workplace vocabulary. You know the phrase…
“Don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger!”
“I’m just a clerk….I don’t have any power here.”
“Don’t blame me…I’m just a cog in the wheel.”
What message do the words ‘just a’ send when placed in
front of your position, role or title to you? To the person(s) who is
listening? Here are the messages that it sends to me:
·
It subtly discounts and devalues you, your
position and your contribution.
·
It excuses you from acting as a responsible
adult at work and for taking ownership of the overall success of your
workplace.
·
It undermines your confidence, initiative and
drive. It says, “I’m powerless; I’m a victim; I’m small.” And it gives the
listener license to believe those things about you too.
·
It not so subtly implies that there is
someone(s) who isn’t ‘just a’, who should be leading or making a difference;
who should own the current opportunity or challenge.
When we send this message to ourselves often enough, it
keeps us stuck in the cement of mediocrity; limits our possibilities, smothers
our creativity….we settle for something less than our best selves. Everyday
leaders make a CONSCIOUS CHOICE each day to NOT embed that type of message in
their workplace DNA. Instead, they feed themselves a steady diet of a very
different message…”I’m a very important leader (VIL). Every day, there are
dozens of opportunities for me to shine – to Take The Lead – in some way.” “What I do and how I think makes a difference.”
Knock,
Knock.
Who’s
there?
Justa.
Justa
Who?
Just
asking you to not use the words just a!
