On Making a Contribution

With July 1 start dates in effect we have been onboarding a lot of new people at UNC. And as one of the leadership educators on campus I always have lots of networking requests, which I love. In these conversations, I have noticed an emerging trend. At first, it was very subtle and I couldn't name it. But over the years, I have found the same topic bubbling up for people in different ways. They will say things to me like - “I’m so new, I don’t feel like my voice matters.” or “I was hired at the same time with other people. I’m not sure how to set myself apart.” I have found there is an epidemic of doubting our own contribution. And I will admit, I have also struggled with this insecurity.  And it wasn’t easy to overcome, and to be honest, at times I still doubt myself. 

So by writing this blog I want to normalize this phenomena. I want people to know they are not alone and give some tips to be confident in what they bring to the table. We each have a unique set of talents and skills that make a significant contribution to the field and impact our students. It never hurts to be reminded of that!

So here goes, some tips we all need to hear!

1.Know that you were hired for a reason -

On my first day at my first job my supervisor told me “Kate, you were hired for a reason, please do not think you need to prove yourself in this role”. In my head, I was like ... whhhaaat? That notion seemed so contrary to me. I had always been under the impression I had to jump through certain hoops and navigate the politics to gain worth and credibility in a job. This new mentality gave me so much freedom and it allowed me to feel confident in the impact I would make. Know that you too were hired for a reason. Just by being in your role, you will make a contribution.

2. Get out of your head -

If you are constantly questioning things you said in meeting or decisions you made, you will not be able to reach your full potential in a professional realm. Have someone you trust to debrief meetings, run things by, or weigh out the pros and cons. We all have that person at our institution.  Once you can quiet that little nagging voice you life will be so much easier. And as my yoga teach would say, “when you quiet the mind, your soul will speak.”

3. Comparison in the thief of joy -

It took me a long time to work though this. I was always comparing myself to other professionals and departments. I would even be jealous - like how are they in a doc program, training for a half marathon, volunteering, and consulting on top of a 50 hour work week?! I was using up so much head space thinking about and comparing myself to others that I wasn’t focused on my own contribution. It was sucking the joy out of my life. Yes, these comparison moments still sneak up on me at times. But thanks to my girl Brene Brown and my own inner work, I have confidence in knowing I am enough. My contribution is enough, because it is mine and that has worth.  And so is yours! 

Above all, know that if you are a new or seasoned professional your contribution is always valued and always enough. Don’t be afraid to own it!

Kate Kryder works in student leadership development at UNC-Chapel Hill. Recently, she has become a yoga teacher and loves the intersection of mindfulness and leadership. Check our her blog at gratefulheartyogacenter.com and connect with her on twitter @gratefulyoga.