We constantly assess how good a worker we are.
“Today I was diligent! Head down! Undistracted! I got so much done!”
“Ugh, today I was so distracted! Lazy! Slow as molasses! Where did the day go?!”
But when it comes to creativity, we are not only the worker!
We are also THE BOSS.
Meaning we are the ones identifying the goals. Setting the parameters. Monitoring progress. Delivering quarterly if not weekly if not DAILY performance reviews.
And for all our hand wringing about the kind of workers we are, we RARELY IF EVER assess what kind of bosses we are.
Bosses are significant. Those of us with even the most cursory of experience in the work force know, our boss looms large. Get a boss who mismanages us, micromanages us, fails to recognize our strengths, asks too much or too little, and we falter. Our potential is squandered.
We suffer through our days and peruse job listings at night.
But a boss who recognizes our singular potential? Who works with and not against our strengths? Who grants us our quirks? Respects our boundaries? Celebrates our achievements?
We thrive! We surprise even ourselves! We joyfully produce our best work!
The SAME RULES APPLY when it comes to managing ourselves.
Being a nasty boss to ourselves derails us.
Being a great boss to ourselves elevates us.