How to regularly update your professional identity
« To be affirmed in my identity, I depend entirely on others. »
Hannah Arendt
The crisis we are going through, and the search for meaning that it has sparked in many of us, is prompting a deep reflection on what truly matters and a reassessment of the importance of purpose in our lives. When we are centered, present in our bodies, and connected to ourselves and the world around us, we naturally become aware of the meaning and purpose of our lives. The same applies to our professional lives.
For this reason, it’s valuable to regularly update our identity—and particularly, to examine how it is perceived by others: “Who am I according to myself, and who am I according to others (who tell me who I am…)?” The Johari Window illustrates how essential it is, in the process of self-knowledge, to listen to how others see us. It’s an excellent way to discover talents we may not have recognized in ourselves—or to better define and name them.
When seeking to understand our identity in its fullness, we eventually realize that the gaze of others contributes to shaping it. For example, Apple transformed its identity from a company selling computers for creatives, to a trendsetter in communication technologies with the iPhone, following the “Think Different” spirit of the iPod. Consumers, through their massive adoption of Apple products, ultimately defined it as a tech pioneer.
Personal development, too, requires identity updates. Apple didn’t succeed by thinking, “Selling computers is my true nature,” a phrase I too often hear from clients seeking transformation.
This process takes time and perspective, allowing you to say: "Here’s who I am, here’s who I’ve become, here’s the best version of myself, and this is where I want to go."
This new identity is the result of transformation, shaped by personal experiences, aspirations, and the development of your talents.
The Paradox of identity
As François Délivré highlights, identity is inherently paradoxical. It is:
Unique and diverse: I claim to be unique, yet also part of a group (e.g. a team leader and team member).
Changing and constant: I evolve, but remain fundamentally the same.
Dependent and personal: I am shaped by others’ perspectives, yet build myself through them.
Tied to both content and process: I am what I say about myself, and how I say it.
Tools to refresh your identity
Updating your identity regularly—for instance, by revisiting your storytelling library—helps solidify this evolving self-image, especially for people who still see you as who you were long ago.
High-level athletes are particularly affected by this need to reinvent themselves early in life. A great example is boxer Brahim Asloum: born to immigrant parents, he discovered boxing at 14, became school champion, French champion, European champion, Olympic gold medalist at 21, and later WBA world champion.
After retiring from the sport, he reinvented himself as an actor, consultant, and president of Asloum Event.
Another powerful tool: the 360° feedback—which helps identify and name your strengths and leadership style.
Identity is also shaped through the sub-personalities or roles we regularly play. That’s why it’s important to translate your vision not only into skills, but also into postures—by choosing which roles to diminish and which to develop.
As for me, I’m currently reinventing my future identity by toning down my “warrior” part and amplifying my communicator, mediator, and artist sides.
And what a synchronicity: for the first time, two entrepreneurs have just asked me to be their mediator in a 50/50 business partnership!
Key questions to ask yourself
What is my persona, my professional identity?
Note: it’s essential that the persona and the self (the virtual space where the conscious and unconscious meet, according to Jung) are not too disconnected. Otherwise, embodying your professional identity becomes difficult.
There are countless examples in politics of people who “forgot who they were,” like Jérôme Cahuzac, the former French budget minister who denied having a Swiss bank account, or CGT union leader Thierry Lepaon and his lavishly renovated apartment.
The main types of identity
Managerial Identity: Defines your leadership style—“What’s the most effective way for me to manage my team and work in this company?” Use personality tests and 360° feedback for support.
Relational Identity: Helps smooth relationships—“How can I be authentic with colleagues, peers, and upper management?”
Team Identity: Aligns shared vision, mission, and values to build a high-performing team.
Cultural Identity: How a human community (social, political, regional, national, ethnic, religious...) defines itself—through values, language, lifestyle, and customs.
Digital Identity: All the information you choose to share about yourself on social media.
Personal Identity: Expresses who you are as an individual—your name, relationships, family, etc.
Caution: identity attacks
These are more common in the workplace than you might think—and we must be prepared to bounce back quickly, as they can be destabilizing.
Most often, they target professional identity:
“I don’t see you as a managing director or an equal member of the executive team,” or “You’ll never be a good manager.”
They may also challenge performance based on biases: “Yes, but you’re a woman…” or “You didn’t go to a top school…” (See Karim Duval’s excellent sketch on this topic!)
Changing professional identity
This often happens when taking on a new role—like stepping into leadership. The person may have only the title, meaning the company’s trust in their potential. With time, by developing skills, receiving feedback, and evaluating their own leadership, they gradually begin to fully embody the identity of a leader. Because we are only truly leaders when others recognize us as such—titles and roles alone are not enough.
In conclusion
Aligning your various identities is key to fully embodying and amplifying your leadership. Our identity evolves through personal change, success, and failure. That’s why it is essential to regularly update both your perception of your self, and your professional persona, to succeed more effectively in your environment.
#reflection #leadership #identity #management #coaching #supervision