This Substack has lived rent free in my mind since I read and thoroughly enjoyed it at the beginning of January. It was penned by the wonderful Times journalist India Knight, although I think she pinched it (fully acknowledged) from Pay Attention Be Astonished Substack.
The idea is pretty simple, write down 66 things you know about yourself. I’ve emphasised the know because that’s the key, you must be entirely honest and acknowledge all parts of yourself – good and bad. Try it – it starts off light-hearted and as you really get into it you can’t help but dig deep into the parts of yourself you aren’t so keen on.
It made me think about all those people that we know that are simply incapable of being that honest with themselves – the reality and perception of their personality and/or actions and impacts to others. Whether this because they feel it “weak” to identify less than perfect personality traits or it could be they genuinely are deluded in their strengths and weaknesses.
Some of the latter run businesses. They are responsible for maybe hundreds of employees’ well-being and workplace happiness. Which is worrying if you think about it.
We have always placed our culture at the forefront of our business at Boston. We do have our values on the wall – because we want everyone to walk and talk them each day – from the CEO downwards. I have always felt to do this successfully you have to have a very high emotional quotient with your senior team – allowed to flow throughout the business. To have a high EQ I think you likely need to understand yourself – warts and all – hence my love for Indias Substack.
Have a go at – some of my personal highlights:
4. I don’t like scallops
17. I have no poker face
21. In a crisis – I am pretty good – but I emotionally lock down
There are 33 others!
By Sarah Ingrassia