Skip to main content

How our roles clash with our identity (44)

Identity is the Enzyme of Collaboration

Identity is a crucial force in both the workplace and everyday life. It shapes how we interact, collaborate, and even compete. A classic example is the often comical tension between marketing and engineering teams, where the different perspectives of what a product is (excellence of technology vs customer pleasing machine) often clash. The "us vs. them" mindset and the tendency to rally around our own group can be powerful motivators, but they also raise an important question: how do we define "our side" in the first place?

Identifying with a group can be incredibly empowering. It enables cooperation among strangers based on shared values and common ground. This is why nationalism, professional identity, and social belonging can drive people to achieve remarkable things together. However, identity can also be a trap. It can make us blind to alternative viewpoints, resistant to change, and stuck in rigid ways of thinking.

Identity might be an Illusion

As unsettling as it may be, identity is largely a construct and thus it is way more fluid than we often realize. Consider how recent the concept of national identity is. Before the French Revolution, being "French" was more about being a subject of the king than about shared culture or language. Local identities mattered more than national ones, and borders could shift unexpectedly.

When people were given a voice in shaping the state, they also gained a sense of belonging. Standardized language, uniform measurements, and shared institutions emerged. Nationalism generated tools that fostered unity. A sailor from Brittany, a monk from Burgundy, and an administrator in Paris could suddenly see themselves as part of the same larger story.

You Are Not the Hat You Wear

It is crucial to understand that identity is flexible. The way we see ourselves shapes our thoughts and actions. But just as identities are created, they can also be adjusted. We should consciously shift perspectives when needed. An engineer, for example, shouldn’t only view a product through a technological lens but also consider the user’s experience. Stepping into different roles allows for better problem-solving and innovation.

However, there’s a delicate balance to maintain. If we constantly switch perspectives without grounding ourselves, we risk losing our sense of self. A stable moral compass is essential—not just for personal integrity, but for meaningful collaboration and growth. The challenge is to know when to hold firm, when to adapt, and when to radically rethink our positions to see the bigger picture.

In the end, identity isn’t just something we inherit, but rather something we are actively sculpting every day. The more we acknowledge its flexibility, the better we can navigate the complexities of work, society, and life itself. In an era of heightened identity politics and geopolitical tension, we should do well to keep this in mind.


 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Easter feast and task pipelines (48)

A Greek Easter feast As this post goes live, your host and author is most likely indulging in the joys of Easter Sunday. In Greece, where I come from, Easter is the biggest holiday of the year. And, as you might expect from a culture famous for its love of food, the Sunday feast is a central part of the celebration. The meal varies by region and family tradition, but one thing remains constant: roasted lamb. It symbolizes the sacrifice of Jesus, and it's always the star of the table. If you're reading this on Easter Sunday, there’s a good chance I’m savoring some leftover lamb while you scroll through these lines. Now, let me tell you—preparing this feast is no small feat. Roasting the lamb and getting the rest of the meal ready is a coordinated effort, usually involving many helping hands. To make sure everything is done in time for the classic Greek lunch hour (around 14:00), the tasks must be broken down and distributed efficiently. This is where the real planning begins....
Post a Comment
Read more

I think, therefore I am (35)

I think, therefore I am Consciousness—or self-awareness—feels like one of the most distinctly human traits. Sure, some animals are clever, but only a handful, like certain primates, seem to pass the “mirror test” and recognize themselves in their reflection. So, what exactly is consciousness? The truth is, it’s hard to pin down. Interestingly, an accessible definition of consciousness doesn’t come from philosophy or biology, but from medicine—specifically anesthesiology. In this field, consciousness is defined as the awareness of pain and our surroundings during surgery. It's a practical, measurable approach: you’re either aware or you’re not. This definition not only makes consciousness easier to grasp but also highlights its connection to our sensory perception. This view brings us to the classic "dual theory" of consciousness. In this framework, the body and mind are seen as separate entities, with the brain acting as the “control room.” The mind issues commands, the b...
2 comments
Read more

A chess game played at a two hundred kilometers per hour (66)

A chess game played at a two hundred kilometers per hour That is how the sport of modern fencing is often portrayed by its practitioners, or, frankly, anyone with an inclination to dramatize. Often, in student fencing circles this phrase is used ironically to juxtapose how simple, pragmatic and brutal this sport can sometimes be. However, I am inclined to approach this phrase by visualizing its contents; fencing is indeed an ancient game, requiring wit and is supplemented with technology unimagined by previous generations. It really is a marriage cold calculation and passion. A passion which is shared by the previous blog exploring modern fencing technology, and which drives one to explore developments of fencing technology even deeper. How Horses Became Formula 1 A common passerby would not think of modern slender, antenna-like blades as swords. And they would be completely right, none of the three fencing weapons (saber, foil and epee) are swords. Assuming the sole purpose of a sword...
Post a Comment
Read more