Unsolicited Feedback (Nicknames) Can Help You Identify What Your "Brand" Is (first of a multipart series)

Over the last 30 years I've received a lot of feedback on my work--some direct, some indirect. Sometimes I only was able to fully fathom the meaning of specific feedback after many years. The nicknames bestowed on me fall into the latter category. I believe they capture the essence of who I am as a person and professional in ways I could never have imagined. 

I didn't ask for these specific nicknames. I didn't solicit feedback that in turn inspired that individual to come up with a nickname for me. Instead, each nickname emerged almost spontaneously during a conversation with a colleague. That they were shared with me in this fashion makes them even more meaningful.  The individuals who shared these nicknames with me have long since come and gone from my life. But their words stuck. 

In short, I consider these nicknames as evidence of my "brand." They reflect personal attributes and attitudes, not so much what I do. They nonetheless stand out. They offer ways for me to talk about my achievements through others' eyes. 

In future blog posts I'll share the stories behind three of these nicknames. More important, I'll share why each remains relevant in my work as an educator and consultant.