Theologian and philosopher C.S. Lewis once said that our greatest fear and our greatest desire is to be known.  To really be known we must break down the walls separating our "outside" selves and our "inside" selves.  So, what would that look like?
 
Well, it might look something like Roberto Benigni on Oscar night in 1998.  Benigni won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film for Life Is Beautiful.  When his name was called, Roberto's walls fell away: he jumped on seats, shook strangers' hands, hopped up the stairs like a little boy and, in heavily accented English, spoke profusely about joy and gratitude.  Everyone watching him immediately knew Roberto Benigni inside and out.
 
Letting our walls fall away to be truly known can be scary.  But, the less we hold our true selves back the better others can know us and the better we can know ourselves.  And, we get even closer to real breakthough leading.
 
(Want to see falling walls for yourself?  Watch here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cTR6fk8frs)

Q: Your family knows your job title, but do they know what you accomplish with your genius?

So, how's work?"  It's a question we may have heard many times over the past few days.  With the holidays coming soon, answering questions about our work might be common for a while.  

Why do we fall into stock answers that don't really tell the stories of our work lives?  After all, aren't family members included as our stakeholders? Stakeholders don't have to work with us; they're just folks who affect and are affected by our work.  

Your non-work stakeholders such as family and friends can learn a great deal by knowing the source of your professional purpose. In the coming holidays we'll have opportunities to expand our personal narratives with others. We can even seek to move past mere job titles and explore the passion and purpose of our careers.  

Q: What could you and your team do with your personal genius fully expressed?

There is a story about trumpet virtuoso Wynton Marsalis that we hope is true.

It seems that a young boy and his father found Mr. Marsalis in the lobby of a hotel.  He was there to speak on a symposium panel.  The father asked Mr. Marsalis if he had any wisdom for his son, a budding trumpet player himself.  Word has it that Mr. Marsalis gave the young man a lesson right there, even missing his symposium.

While his actions were generous, there's something deeper here.  Being one of the best musicians in the world, Marsalis knew genius.  But he also saw potential in the boy.  The boy may never be a virtuoso, but this generous act helped the boy fully express his own personal genius.  

The unique talents, passions and energies of our team and ourselves are parts of our own genius.  Discovering, expressing and nurturing this genius are less about becoming the best in the world and more about becoming the best of yourself.

Q: What do your authentic actions reveal about you to your team?

What comes to mind when you think of Clint Eastwood?  Tough, steely eyed guy you don't want to mess with, right?  Well, screenwriter William Goldman tells a different story in his book, Adventures in the Screen Trade.
 
Goldman was on the movie set for a film Eastwood was directing.  During the lunch break most folks get in line for the craft services, while big stars, directors and producers often have lunch catered in for them.  However, the man famous for being Dirty Harry grabs a tray and gets in line with the rest. Surprised, the crewmembers in front try to usher him forward.  But, he'll have none of it.  It's lunch, and he's just one of guys.  
 
One simple, sincere action revealed Mr. Eastwood's Brand to be quite different from his public image. The way we act with those around us, with our team, has a great impact on our Personal Brand.  Knowing that brand and seeking to positively and authentically influence it is a major part of breakthrough leading.