Masking in Smart Humans
Let's talk about masking in smart humans.
If you're fast-brained, odds are that you have to constantly accommodate at work in order to:
=> communicate well with others
=> not be completely disliked
=> get things done
Luxury problem to have? Maybe.
Necessary byproduct of having a smart mind? Probably.
Unsustainable if you have to do it continuously? Definitely.
It's a massive energy drain and wreaks havoc with your well-being.
So even if you're strategically masking at work, make sure that you build in time with people with similar minds, where you can take of the mask and be your own fast-brained self.
Don't know any other members of tribe yet? They're probably hiding, like you.
Here's an idea to draw them out: show up more as your shamelessly smart self. Make it feel safer for others by going first.
And if you're reading this and are in a leadership/HR position, know this: your gifted employees need to feel safe and seen just as much as the others. Make sure they’re supported and encouraged, rather than leaving them to their own devices ‘because if they’re so smart’ they can figure everything out.’
Also: if you're on LinkedIn, here's a poll on how safe you feel to be smart at work