I hope you enjoyed last week’s Thought for the Week; “Confidence and Winging it!” We all “wing it” from time to time and this was about how much belief and self-confidence we have when doing it. And there is a big difference between that and taking unnecessary risks.
You can read my previous blogs below.
Now, here is a random question for you! Have you ever been to a Masked Ball?
If you did, did you wear a mask?
How did that feel, to wear a mask?
Well, I went to a masked ball once, it was on Valentine’s Day in Switzerland and was invited at the last minute, so wasn’t as well-prepared as most of the people in the room. Nonetheless, I found it very interesting to see how people presented themselves when wearing a mask and then the ‘big reveal’ at the end of the night!
But the time that really stands out in my memory was when I went on holiday to Dubai and went on one of these jeep trips in the desert, rode a camel, had a Middle-Eastern feast and had the opportunity to dress up in traditional dress.
So, we both dressed up in traditional Arab dress and I wore a veil.
I was surprised how empowering it was actually! Because, from behind a mask, we can observe what is going on around us while our expressions are hidden.
Have you ever found that?
We know how much we rely on body language in our communication with each other, so personally, I found this very interesting.
At the same time …
How much do we hide behind some kind of mask in our everyday lives?
If we do, there will be a good reason behind it for sure; probably to protect ourselves in some way or something like that.
“You wear a mask for so long, you forget who you were beneath it.”
-Alan Moore-
[English author known primarily for his work in comic books including Watchmen, V for Vendetta, The Ballad of Halo Jones, Swamp Thing, Batman: The Killing Joke and From Hell]
And in my work as a Coach, my clients so often come in with something to work on, and I would say that most of their challenges are around the way they are communicating, or NOT communicating …
… and how they see, or DON’T see themselves and how they WANT to be seen.
For instance; using this “invisible mask” to hide themselves behind; perhaps so others can’t judge them.
When it comes to having confidence and feeling empowered, how often are we “wearing a mask” or a well-practiced façade so we can feel more empowered?
Now, this is not a bad thing at all – because as I said there is usually a very valid reason why. At the same time, here’s something to consider …
“I wear the mask. It does not wear me.”
– Phillippe, ‘Man in the Iron Mask’.
As always, I will leave you with this thought for the week! Just one more thing …
If you would like to have a complimentary one-to-one coaching session with me, there is absolutely no obligation. After 30 minutes, you will have gained more clarity and insight on how you communicate and what to do and also what not to do about it! You can book a slot HERE
I will be in touch again with more thoughts and tips on how you, and / or your team can be more effective communicators.
With best wishes,
Korinne
P.S. Check out The Communication Code