Learning goal:
To
enable students to recognize the “identity
choices” that a Contributor makes and what his/her “image of self” is. The way in which Contributors choose to define
themselves distinguishes them from others. This unit explores the question “who am I”.
Develop
your own answer to the question “who am
I?”
Non-contributors usually define themselves in terms of,
What they have acquired in life (e.g. qualifications, position, years of
experience, etc.). This is a static identity, based on your past glories or
past failures. This static identity leaves you trapped in history.
Contributors define themselves in terms of,
What they will become or accomplish (e.g. capacity to deliver,
commitment and ownership of the organization’s purpose, etc.). This is a
dynamic identity based on your “being” and “becoming”.
Such an
identity lets we choose to live a better future.
In
above mentioned example, The Contributor’s image of self is not defined by the qualifications
and achievements he/she has got. Rather, he/she thinks of oneself as Someone
who has the capability to make a positive difference in the world.
Points
to keep in mind
Just being
“highly qualified” or not, does not make one a contributor or a
non-contributor. In fact, being preoccupied with one’s “qualifications,
degrees, past achievements” can limit one (this is the static identity),
because then one will not be focused on the contribution or difference one can
make by using these qualifications in action (which will happen only if one has
a dynamic identity).