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Beware of the Fame Face

by Outside the Box on March 24, 2008 3:12 PM

So you are one of if not the best in your career field. You are the master of the skills, techniques and strategies that make your performance exceptional. You are a marketable brand that is well known in offering results and solutions in your particular industry. However, there is just one facial expression that every highly successful person should be wary of and its name is the fame face.

So what is the fame face? The fame face is a look of content, satisfaction in no longer learning new ideas and believing that your talent and experience alone make you irreplaceable. It’s alright to be proud of your accomplishments and achievements but in the spirit of competitiveness one must always consider improving his or her game.

I remember actively seeking new employment opportunities; I thought my education and experience would guarantee me a job offer after an interview. I begin to realize after several interviews that my resume did not stand out and my elevator speech was lacking marketable appeal. In hindsight, at that particular time I was guilty of wearing the fame face.

In the book “The Dynamic Path” James M. Citrin notes “that champions who manage to stay on top do so by continuing to grow and develop as individuals and leaders.” A true champion is constantly evolving and thinking outside the box to continuously develop talents, skills and personal relationships that can make a difference.

Overall, the biggest downside of the fame face is that if you stop practicing and honing your craft the skills you posses that were once uniquely refined can become obsolete.

Comments (10)

Excellent point. I went through the same thing before I changed careers. I was so tied to my "status" as a senior person that I was afraid to make a change. My identity was so wrapped up in my career. Now I can't believe that I ever felt that way. There is so much to learn and I never want to go back to feeling that I have to appear to know it all.

— Posted by Deborah | April 4, 2008 11:34 AM | Comment Permalink

Great insight! Since being in the medical field, there is always something new- a new drug, skill, or procedure to be learned. But even if you learn nothing new, you can always improve the skills you have already. Just when you think you know everything, you'll find you really don't know much at all.

— Posted by MWaters | March 28, 2008 4:45 AM | Comment Permalink

This is so true. A much needed article for me as I continue to work toward my goals.

— Posted by Telisa | March 26, 2008 3:44 PM | Comment Permalink

This is so true. A much needed article for me as I continue to work toward my goals.

— Posted by Telisa Watkins | March 26, 2008 3:43 PM | Comment Permalink

I totally agree with you. I think that the fame face is more of a problem with women than men. We draw the glass ceiling for ourselves, then complain about it being there.

— Posted by Latoya Wall | March 25, 2008 7:14 PM | Comment Permalink

I agree with the last line, wholeheartedly. I think that there are more "Fame Faces" in my work environment than others. Seeking new ideas and leaning towards perpetual refinement, unfortunately, can cause more harm in many work relationships; ego. Many of our champions are never extolled; and are just as obsolescent.

— Posted by DaSean | March 25, 2008 2:42 PM | Comment Permalink

Well. I've only been in the corporate work force for three years and I understand and relate to the "fame face." I'm confusing the fame face with boredom and the dry learning environment.

— Posted by Crystal | March 25, 2008 2:13 PM | Comment Permalink

This is a very good point! This not only applies to our corporate life, but in home life, including relationships and learning about your mate, and in your spiritual life! Great insight Alicia!

April

— Posted by April | March 25, 2008 12:51 PM | Comment Permalink

Thanks for this article and for reminding us that there is always more to learn :)!

— Posted by Janet | March 25, 2008 12:16 PM | Comment Permalink

Wow. You are so right. Last month I went to a hairdresser in the hopes of getting the same cut I had when I lived in Europe for the last decade. She was very arrogant about me telling her how my cut needed to be executed, so I asked her if she would let me show her privately, so as not to be “politically incorrect.” She refused and said she had been a hairdresser for 10 years and didn’t think we were a good fit. Before leaving I told her that I had been an image consultant for 30 years and never stopped going to classes and learning. No comment. Two days ago I went to another hairdresser who said, “Yes, please show me. I always love learning new things.” She gave me the perfect haircut! I’m an image consultant and can happily send her dozens of clients this month.

— Posted by Image Architect [TypeKey Profile Page] | March 24, 2008 3:35 PM | Comment Permalink

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