Object or Agent: Identifying Your Role and Taking Charge
By Jayson Krause, Managing Director of Level 52 & Award-Winning Author of The Science Behind Success
The realities of business mean you're constantly changing, and the different roles you assume can significantly impact your career trajectory. Some roles are official, while others are simply ways you begin acting inside the business that categorize how you add value. As I discuss in my book, "The Science Behind Success," individuals can be broadly categorized as either 'objects' or 'agents.' Understanding which category you fall into and how to navigate this dichotomy can be a game-changer for your professional growth.
Objects in an organization are passive participants. They wait to be told what to do, seek approval before taking action, and rely on external recognition for motivation. They often feel victimized by their circumstances, attributing their failures to external factors and their successes to luck.
On the other hand, agents are proactive. They take risks based on their beliefs, ask for forgiveness rather than permission, and don't wait to get noticed. They view challenges as opportunities for growth and take responsibility for their successes and failures.
So, how can you determine whether you're an object or an agent? Here are a few reflective questions to consider:
Do you wait for instructions or take the initiative?
Do you seek approval before making decisions or take calculated risks?
Do you attribute your successes and failures to external factors or take responsibility for them?
If you find yourself leaning towards the characteristics of an object, don't sweat it. Transitioning from an object to an agent is something you can start doing once you’ve developed awareness around it. By making some subtle, yet significant changes, it will be transformative for your career. This is why it’s such an important part of our Accelerated Leader Programs. Until you can step into one of our programs, here's how you can begin making the shift from object to agent:
Embrace Agency: Start by changing your mindset. Understand that you have the power to influence your circumstances. Instead of waiting for things to happen, make them happen.
Take Calculated Risks: Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Take calculated risks and learn from your failures. Remember, failure is not the opposite of success; it's part of the journey.
Seek Feedback, Not Approval: Instead of seeking approval, seek feedback. Use it as a tool for continuous learning and improvement.
Take Responsibility: Take ownership of your successes and failures. Understand that you are the architect of your destiny.
Understanding whether you're acting as an object or an agent is important for your professional growth. By embracing agency, taking calculated risks, seeking feedback, and taking responsibility, you can transition from being an object to an agent and take charge of your career path.
