The Mask

"You will be the prey or toy of demons and fools if you believe they go through life with horns or bells. People are like the moon when they interact with others, they only show one side. Everyone has an innate talent for wearing a mask so they appear as they intend, not as they really are." Schopenhauer.

We are all such good actors that we hardly realize our own performances.

Try to watch yourself from a seat in the audience when you're talking to your family, friends, colleagues, bosses, and subordinates. Analyze when and how much you're acting. How you dress, how you apply makeup, what you say, how you say it, how you move, react – it may be more evident than it seems.

From the same seat, observe carefully how others relate to you and consider whether they may be expecting or wanting something from you, present or future.

Not everyone is self-interested, nor is everyone altruistic. Listen and observe cautiously without being swayed by appearances.

Start shunning unnecessary flattery and welcome honest, direct, and constructive criticism.

S&S

#leadership #coaching #noshortcuts #balance #empathy #revelation #mask