Should A Tiger Change It's Stripes

"Be You" was printed in large font on former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy's play sheet. Many people discuss how they need to be "authentic." I often write about making decisions and taking actions through core values. If our strengths and values have gotten us to pinnacles of success, then those are our "tiger stripes." And as the saying goes, a tiger doesn’t change its stripes.

From an evolutionary standpoint, tigers' stripes make perfect sense. They allow the tiger to blend in with their habitat's dense vegetation as it stalks its next prey. However, if a tiger is placed in a different environment, its stripes can become a liability. In that case, it would make sense for the tiger to try to change its stripes or find a new environment.

We also fall into these circumstances. Some environments allow us to thrive based on our personalities, beliefs, values, and strengths. And others where we fail or are miserable.

When our environment doesn't match our strengths, one option is to try to adapt. We might start off successful, but trying to fit in becomes exhausting, and old habits and behaviors kick in. Sooner or later, we will most likely discover that we are not a match. If we are in a leadership position, we can try and remake the landscape to fit our strengths. This takes incredible will and skill, and getting a critical mass of people on board with the new environment. If we don’t fit in because of the leadership, it is time to look for a new environment.

The best scenario is when we can interview the position as much as we are interviewed for it. Learning about growth opportunities, mentorship, what success looks like for you in their eyes in the next 6 months, one year, five years. Find out what they value and what their biggest initiative is, and determine how you can best fit in. Learn if what makes you tick merges with them. Then, you don't have to try and change your stripes as they enhance what you do.

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