Month: May 2025

As I near the end of this academic chapter and prepare to enter the next phase of my professional life, I’ve been thinking more intentionally about where I am and where I want to go. This week’s minilecture really emphasized the importance of checking in with myself, not just once in a while, but regularly. Below are my answers to the four reflection questions from the lecture, as honestly as I can write them today:

1. What am I good at?
I’m good at analyzing complex information and communicating it clearly to others, especially in high-pressure situations. I’ve noticed I do well when I’m organized and have space to think critically. I also work well on teams and tend to be someone who keeps things on track when others start to lose focus. It’s taken time to see these things as strengths, but I’m learning to trust them more.

2. What do I value?
I value growth, both in myself and in the people I surround myself with. I care a lot about integrity and doing work that has meaning and impact. I also really value balance, making time for friends, family, and health, even when life gets busy. Having a sense of purpose is something I come back to often when making big decisions.

3. How did I get here?
I got here through a mix of deliberate choices and unexpected turns. I followed what felt right at each step, even when it was uncomfortable, and leaned on the support of mentors and peers. There were moments when I doubted myself or wasn’t sure what I was doing, but I kept moving forward and asking questions. I think curiosity and persistence have played a big role in shaping my path so far.

4. Where am I going?
Right now, I’m heading into a new phase with some excitement and some nerves. I know I want to keep building a career that challenges me, helps others, and allows me to keep learning. I’m open to possibilities, but I’m also trying to be intentional about the kinds of people and environments I want to work with. I may not have a perfectly clear map, but I feel like I’m heading in the right direction.

After taking the Enneagram personality test, I discovered I identify most with Type 6, also known as “The Loyalist.” At the heart of this personality type is a desire for security and stability. I’m someone who values trust, responsibility, and consistency—not just in my relationships, but in how I approach decisions, challenges, and work. I naturally scan for risks in my environment, which makes me incredibly good at being prepared and cautious. While others might jump into a situation, I’m the person making sure the safety net is in place first.

However, being a Type 6 isn’t all structure and steadiness. There’s a constant internal battle between seeking guidance and questioning authority. I can get stuck in cycles of overthinking, double-checking everything, and feeling uneasy when things aren’t clearly spelled out. At times, I crave reassurance, and if that’s not there, I can spiral into anxiety or second-guess myself.

From a career standpoint, I imagine a potential employer would see me as someone who is dependable, loyal, and focused on protecting the team from missteps. I’m the person who will stay late to make sure things go right and who won’t let a task fall through the cracks. But they might also worry that I could struggle with fast pivots or environments that thrive on ambiguity. I do best when there’s a clear chain of communication, supportive leadership, and room to ask questions. With that, I don’t just manage—I thrive. My loyalty isn’t just to people; it’s to doing things the right way.

As a business owner facing a critical hiring decision, I’ve narrowed my options to two intriguing candidates: Avery and Jaime. Avery has sky-high potential but tends to underperform on a regular basis. Jaime, on the other hand, delivers consistent, solid work every day but lacks the ability to go above and beyond in high-pressure situations.

If I had to choose, I would hire Jaime. While Avery’s best days might outshine everyone, I can’t build a reliable business operation on unpredictability. Jaime’s steady output provides the consistency I need to meet deadlines, satisfy clients, and maintain workflow stability. In most businesses, daily dependability trumps the occasional burst of brilliance.

That said, a role in creative strategy or innovation consulting might be perfect for someone like Avery. These positions reward big, bold ideas and value breakthrough moments over routine execution. If the work involves pitching high-impact campaigns or solving complex problems that require flashes of genius, Avery’s high ceiling can be a competitive advantage—even if their baseline performance lags.

On the flip side, a job like data entry, pharmacy dispensing, or customer service is better suited for someone like Jaime. These roles require precision, repetition, and steady focus. Mistakes or off-days can create downstream issues, so consistency is key. Jaime’s predictability ensures quality and trust, making them an invaluable asset in roles where small errors can lead to big consequences.

In the end, the “right” hire depends on the job’s demands. Talent may win headlines, but consistency builds companies. Would you bet on brilliance—or show up every day with someone who always gets the job done?