Identity
The Institute of Human Development says that identity or 'sense of self' is made up of
the roles we play - what we do
the way we do things - our style
This article looks at how we can shape our identity and use it to our advantage?
Coaching is one way that we can discover a lot more about our identity, at a deeper level through using metaphors and stories.
Can you change your Identity?
Interesting question. I'd like to think we could, if we wanted to, but it may be more difficult to do this when people see our impairments before our personalities or the work that we do. As Sync member Sara Fletcher says
....rather than starting from a clean slate, it is often necessary to deconstruct existing stereotypes before one can build a platform for leadership.
As disabled people, our identity can be shaped by other people.
Let's face it, how often do we see people making value judgements about what we can and cannot do when they see or are told that we are disabled.
For those of us who are have hidden impairments, this fact can have a drastic impact because it may stop us asking for the access and adjustment we need to be really effective.
Taking control of your Identity
Having this happen to us, often does have an impact on our style and behaviour. As Sync member Karen Sheader shares:
...experiences of exclusion can make one more determined and tenacious, but also turn one into a bit of a show-off in order to prove one's worth
Let's consider people who are working their identity to their advantage and how they are doing this.
Deaf Stand Up Comedienne, Kathy Buckley plays many games with her identity. Seen by many in the motivational speaker world as - 'a miracle' - 'run over by a jeep', 'really crummy childhood' etc,
Kathy takes people's ideas about her and her life and using comedy, throws it back at her audience. Sometimes, without people realising the game she is playing. She's quite an extreme example and certainly not everybody's cup of tea, but she's 'out there' on her terms. What do you think about her and others like her?
Access Needs and Identity
Disabled Leader, Marie Pye talks about how many people over the years have seen her as 'lazy' because her impairment has meant that she has to operate from a sofa.
Marie's identity is far from lazy and she's particularly proud to claim that she has been solely responsible for Waltham Forest Town Hall having "the best sofas out of all the London Boroughs".
What's the point here? Sticking with yourself and your access needs can be a really powerful way of reinforcing your identity on your terms.
Wouldn't you rather be seen as 'inspirational' or 'key player' rather than 'lazy' or 'difficult person'?
Sync and Identity
Sync doesn't assume a role here but it is very clear in its intention. If enough of us look at our identity, explore it and reclaim it and then step out and into leadership in whatever shape that takes and with whatever access needs we have, surely we will make a difference?
To do this, we do need to get better at sharing our techniques and how we shape and refine our identities.
Sync is here to lobby for a change in the leadership landscape alongside this.
We've posted an interview with Maria Oshodi, Director of Extant on the website where she shares her experiences, honed over many years in the cultural sector in the arts and television.
Have you developed techniques that allow you to rise above people's assumptions about you? Do you have a particular 'performative' style that you use when you walk in a room? Or are you still in hiding?
Do share your tips and techniques!
Sarah Pickthall, Sync Coaching
