Sometimes, You Don't Have to Prove Yourself

Dont show up to prove. Show up to improve.

Recorded at @SummitSessions at Sea in conversation with Molly Bloom, May 2023

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Simon is an unshakable optimist. He believes in a bright future and our ability to build it together.

Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Simon has devoted his professional life to help advance a vision of the world that does not yet exist; a world in which the vast majority of people wake up every single morning inspired, feel safe wherever they are and end the day fulfilled by the work that they do.

Simon is the author of multiple best-selling books including Start With Why, Leaders Eat Last, Together is Better, and The Infinite Game.

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Simon’s books:

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#SimonSinek

[thesouringgentleman]

I took this advice and lost my new job as a news radio broadcaster. They wouldn’t even watch this short for themselves.

[madewithjoy]

after my promotion was announced my previous manager ( who promoted me ) said the same thing, " no need to prove yourself, we know you can do it, thats why we chose you " and that lifted a lot of burden in my shoulder ( burdens that i didnt know even exsist )

[SimVenture]

This is such an important lesson, especially for those new to business.

[MattGillis]

So important. We tend to undo more than we prove. Silence is such a powerful tool.

[thestorybehindthat]

This is so nice to hear. That's all I want to do my first 90 days. Shut up and listen and learn wtf is going on before blabbing.

[huntingbliss]

I've actually noticed that when someone is new they have innovative ideas and are exited to share them. The longer they stay in a company the higher the chances not to sharecthese ideas because they want to fit in.

[PascalBachmann]

When we focus on living our lives authentically and true to ourselves, that's when we really start to thrive.

[j.m]

I love love Simon. I wish there were so many employers with his mindset. He's refreshing 👍🌷👌

[jeskeepinitreal]

Active listening is a powerful tool. Remain open and engaged and smile if appropriate. Everyone will think you hold secrets to the universe. Minimal effort required.

[anumcodes]

Totally agree! We need to be comfortable and accept that we are hired for a reason

[muhammadzaini]

"We know u r smart, because u already vetted". Thank you, i need that very much. 😊

[devashishpareek]

It depends on the industry you are in🙌🏻🙌🏻

[MarieBenard]

I love that idea! The urge to prove ourselves can be so strong, but it's actually more effective to lean back and observe where we can make the biggest impact.

[christopherbramwell]

Say much less and observe to make sure that you're fulfilling all of your responsibilities. Let your actions speak.

[rons_mulyana]

That's true, sometime your boss give your time not for show your talent but to know how your react for that time, keep calm and don't show off

[talitaflinspach]

I am vetted by a company to do contract work, but then they take advantage thinking they can contract my business to do all projects at rock bottom profit. When "giving you a shot" is not to your benefit because you are the best at what you do but to manipulate the hell out of you, then you should know when to walk away.

[NazariyKovalyuk]

If only I had understood this before quitting my job because of anxiety and constant self induced pressure…

[amostake]

This is so true. Not that I've ever been given a shot at anything, but I've seen others, and they do have this "I have to prove myself" vibe. And that's doesn't work too well.

[rainetravels]

I was a new employee at a company and I was shutting up and listening in a meeting and all of a sudden, I was called on to give input. I was ready Because I had been taking notes. This advice is not for POC, because there will be demands to prove you deserve the position😊

[MV-kknh]

For those commenting that this didn't work: this advice, as all advice, should be taken with a grain of salt; it may not apply fully or at all, it depends on each job opportunity, the expectations that need to be met and asking appropriate questions to get better at knowing the scope of the work thoroughly.

Though in my opinion, this advice applies to all new employees, not only upper management. Because they do not know the company well enough to contribute right from the start. I agree with this advice; however, you must ask if not sure of the full scope of the work and the expectations of you.

I don't see it in the same way of not having to prove yourself, that's a "bit" much, in every job you must prove yourself worthy of the opportunity at all times; but it has to be done wisely, not from a stance of "I know better" from day one, this could for sure become not only annoying, but establish you as a know-it-all, trying too hard or rather inappropriately hard, when you were hired you did already prove worthy of the opportunity. At the beginning, proving yourself worthy is to obey, follow the rules, protocols and do your very best to give 100% results according to your skill level and also to the level of training provided.

In my business, this was the case, at first I had all new employees focus on learning what they needed to and they were expected to ask questions, not input. As they proved to be good employees; grew more knowledgeable of their jobs and the company's overall goals, I did welcome input. For new projects this did not apply. I hired experts in the field for their input and what their expertise could add to my plans, so input was expected from day one.

Blessings to everyone!!! Be and share your God-given awesomeness every day ppl!!! 🙏🏻❤️