Can I have a minute of your time?
Describe yourself in two words.
I know I could spend hours coming up with combinations, but when someone asked me recently in an interview to describe myself in two words, this was my off-the-cuff response:
It’s not one of those “this is what you’re supposed to say in an interview” responses, which I imagine would be something like “hard worker” or “team player.” But it’s honest, and it’s true to my personal brand - which is true to who I am.
Because I am transparent to the levels of glass, people who read my blog, or follow me on Twitter, or connect with me on Facebook, expect these two things of me when we meet in person: 1) an intelligent person with a knack for social media and communication and 2) sarcasm so thick you could slice it. Hence, smart smartass. And people get just that.
Can you say the same?
Now it’s your turn. Describe yourself in two words. Don’t spend a lot of time on this. A minute, tops. Be authentic. After you’ve thought of your two words, leave them in a comment. You can explain them if you want, or you can let them speak for themselves. But I really want to hear what you think.
And a few things for you to think about:
1) Are those the words you want OTHER people to associate with you? …do they?
2) Have you done anything today to ensure others think of you that way? In person? Online?
Nate Riggs says:
Great post Cheryl. Artie Isaac used to include a similar exercise like this in the Clarity process at Young Isaac. It’s a cool idea to apply to your own self-strategy. For me, it’s gotta be “champion communicator”. That comes from the idea that I like to come up with and embrace new ideas, and then spread them around to as many human beings as possible.
And now my own gears are turning. Thanks for asking an interesting question.
Oct 05, 2009, 2:58 pmJacob Stoops says:
How would I describe myself? Three words: hard working, alpha male, jackhammer…merciless…insatiable…
Wait, that’s a Dwight Schrute quote from the office - I think I’m in the wrong place?!?
Great stuff Cheryl
Oct 05, 2009, 3:09 pmChristian Adams says:
well rounded
Oct 05, 2009, 3:10 pmMike McDermott says:
friendly reason
Oct 05, 2009, 3:22 pmTimothy says:
I’m awesome.
I don’t think I have to explain that further.
Oct 05, 2009, 3:28 pmJesse Gardner says:
My two words?
“Unconventional”
Oct 05, 2009, 3:28 pmblademonkey says:
predictably different.
Oct 05, 2009, 3:29 pmAndrea says:
Warm & Fuzzy.
Oct 05, 2009, 3:29 pmMegan Hoffman says:
Thoughtful Contradiction.
Oct 05, 2009, 4:05 pmI feel very much like 2 people rolled into one. I chalk it up to being an Aquarian but also because I don’t feel like people should be put into constricted boxes. Somedays I’m very outgoing and some days I’m very introverted. Some days I’m stubborn and other days very open. I also put a lot of thought into my actions because I feel that ultimately how you handle yourself in certain situations can define the type of person you are.
Annette Brochowski says:
Practical nurturer.
Oct 05, 2009, 4:08 pmDon Snyder says:
Unusually Creative.
Oct 05, 2009, 4:09 pmAdam says:
I’ve been called “a-DORK-able”… I suppose that fits.
Oct 05, 2009, 4:13 pmHazel says:
Simply Superb
Oct 05, 2009, 4:16 pmAmanda says:
Brash Loyal
Oct 05, 2009, 4:18 pmEric Dunne says:
Darkly Passionate
Oct 05, 2009, 4:21 pmRobb Landon says:
Extremely focused
Oct 05, 2009, 4:29 pmD. Lambert says:
Mostly harmless.
Oct 05, 2009, 4:44 pmMary Harrison says:
I asked a co-worker and she said “loyal + dependable.”
Oct 05, 2009, 4:47 pmDave Watts says:
Intelligent Goofball
Oct 05, 2009, 4:58 pmJoshua Griffis says:
Consistently Inconsistent
Oct 05, 2009, 5:16 pmEvan Roberts says:
I’m gonna go with: Mostly conscientious
Sometimes I’m thoughtless, but it’s rare. I love knowing everything I can about something I’m interested in and I love knowing the right answer. I walk on the sidewalk. But I do cross the street outside the crosswalk, occasionally.
Oct 05, 2009, 5:21 pmRicardo Bueno says:
I tried not to cheat… the first word that came to mind was: Awesome. Lol. And I was told a few times today that I was awesome so I guess I have that going for me… And yes I know that’s only one word.
Do I want others to perceive me that way? To some extent, yes. Anyway, you’ve given me something to think about… On another note, personally, I really like yours.
Oct 05, 2009, 3:37 amJim Brochowski says:
After thinking about it all day…
Genuinely Passionate.
Also, as it happens these are qualities I admire in other people.
For me I am who I am and I care about what I do and who I am - because I think that matters to people. I know it matters to me.
I think that makes sense.
Oct 05, 2009, 3:51 amArtie Isaac says:
At Young Isaac, this was our original Creative Igniter in the Clarity Brand Message Strategy Process.
One point: these two-word statements were not for sharing with the public. They were internal strategy statements. (Sometimes, of course, they were ripe for sharing publicly. Just not always.)
Young Isaac’s own was — for several years: “Likable Smartypants.”
It was never: “Lickable Smartypants.”
Oct 05, 2009, 11:16 amBilly Fischer says:
Cool Idea. I really love “Consistently Inconsistent” since mine would probably change by the week.
RIght now I’ll go with “Ecstatic Dad.” Sounds cheesy, but who cares. I’m so geeked about being a Dad these days.
Oct 05, 2009, 1:20 pmAndy Markle says:
My favorite is what they currently call me in the United Methodist Church:
“Irresistible Revolutionary.”
Oct 05, 2009, 4:22 amPam says:
Me? Talented Eclectic (if I had three words I might add Helpful) It makes you think more when you are limited to a few words… funny how that works! Less is more? Perhaps!
Oct 05, 2009, 3:07 pmJoshua Mauldin says:
Nerdy happy.
Oct 05, 2009, 3:40 pmcheapoair says:
Boring, pessimistic.
Oct 05, 2009, 4:54 pmRaygen says:
Raygen Saiyan
Oct 05, 2009, 12:11 am