What does it feel like to have secret knowledge or be an insider? Have you ever found yourself in the situation where you knew something about someone, but they didn’t know? I see this play out all the time with my teenage daughters. This doesn’t surprise me, but what is revealing is how everyone handles the insider status differently. Do they use it to their advantage, or have mercy on the other person? Do they respect their privacy or use it to get a leg up socially?
One example is handwriting analysis. Twelve years ago, I started what would become a continuous study of the implications of people’s handwriting. It’s quite scientific and much more popular outside of the United States. I’ve been off a few times, but each time I tell people what I see in their handwriting, I am astounded by how accurate the insider information is. Here is where the rub comes. If I am casually reading someone’s handwriting in a mixed crowd, I always tend to emphasize the good qualities that I see, and seldom share insights that could embarrass them. There is a responsibility that exists when we find ourselves in possession of insider status because of what we know. We have an obligation to do no harm, in my perspective. When I am working with clients or coaching executives, I feel like they have paid for the full truth and we discuss the implications of every aspect of their handwriting samples.
Have you explored what element of your skills or personality give you some insider status? How will you leverage this skill or ability to create your own unique qualities and put them to use finding your own future?
Today it’s more important than ever to differentiate yourself. Globalization has shrunk the world and the connectedness brought about by the internet has created many creative workplace scenarios. What is your insider skill? If you haven’t found it, take some time to intensively figure out what you do best. You can certainly get by without this step, but eventually someone who has been more intentional about their insider skill could potentially edge you out.
This blog is part of a series from the book Discover Your Best Life by Mike Hintz. His personal, professional, and spiritual growth tools are also featured in Northlink Retreats. If this topic resonates with you consider reading the book or attending one of the upcoming retreats.