Our family recently attended the Blue Man Group concert that came to town. It’s a show that’s hard to explain to those who may be unfamiliar.
Three mysterious men in blue masks entertain a lively audience using music, videos, humor and drama. If only every day at work could be such fun.
There is a "mask" theme throughout the show. I thought of executives who often feel they must wear masks in their roles. "What if someone finds out I really don’t know as much as they think I do? I’ve got to show them I’m in charge. I must hide my frustration. What if they discover the real me?"
One of the videos shown at the Blue Man Group concert, portrayed a person who found himself wearing multiple masks. He removed one mask from his face to find yet another and another and another.
It reminded me of a quote by Mary S. Almanac, "Who we are never changes. Who we think we are does."
Maybe you’ve got a layer of masks that’s grown over the years. Masks form based on your experiences and your encounters with other people. Sometimes we can become so absorbed in a role that we become that identity. We don’t even realize we wear a mask.
Real leaders work on discovering themselves and bringing to the surface their true talent, strengths and desires. They’re not content to wear a mask. They take the risk of being more vulnerable.
I’m hoping this post will remind you to check your own mask should you be wearing one.
In what ways can you let more of the real you shine through in your leadership role? Maybe it’s having a conversation you’ve been putting off. Maybe it’s advocating an idea or project you feel strongly about. Maybe it’s showing how much you really care about a purpose, cause or goal.
You will be at your best when you are true to yourself.
Mask or no mask, the best leadership lesson from Blue Man Group is maintaining a sense of humor through it all.