Who You Are Speaks Loudly!

What is the first thing that comes to mind when people think about you? Are you the reliable one, the one people call when they are in a bind? Are you the funny one, known for your quick wit and funny stories? Maybe you are the good listener or the shoulder to cry on.

Or, are you the resident sad sack, always there with a sad story to top the one someone else just shared? Could you be the chronic complainer, the one who is just never satisfied? Maybe you are quick to anger or a drama queen (or king).

How you appear to others matters. It makes a big difference.

If you want to be promoted at work, you need to take a look at the image you are portraying. Does your name immediately come up when the boss is looking for hard workers? If not, ask yourself why, or more importantly, what images do come up when your name is mentioned.

I have several single girlfriends that I wouldn’t hesitate to fix up if I ran into a nice guy. However, there are one or two that I definitely wouldn’t recommend for a blind date or a double date. Frankly, their attitudes and demeanors would reflect negatively on me and I work too hard to let someone else make me look bad.

Everyone talks incessantly about networking, in person or on the Internet. We want to network to get a job, find a mate, and meet new friends, but no amount of networking will help you if the image and energy you are sending out is negative, or the opposite of what you are trying to convey.

You might never set foot on a stage but that doesn’t mean that you aren’t performing in front of an audience. As soon as you leave your home, you are ‘on.’ If you have kids, it’s as soon as you get up!

People are watching you. They notice your attitude, your work ethic, your appearance, and your demeanor. Even if they never say anything to you, they are watching you and making judgments accordingly. Now, that might not seem right or fair but it doesn’t make it any less true.

There is a funny but, oh-so-true saying, “Who you are is speaking so loudly that I can’t hear what you are saying.”

Who are you and what is it that you are saying to others?

Your words matter but who you are and what you do say more about you than words ever can.