Over-qualified yet Overlooked

I know I'm consistent and treat everyone equally, because I have faced discrimination, prejudice and bias repeatedly (more so after losing my hearing) and I don’t want anyone feeling this way after interacting with me. Yet, I am aware that I keep my personal life out of professional settings. I value my privacy, but I guess I can understand how others would interpret that as being guarded. My personal goal is to re-evaluate myself at least once a year (this is key to becoming a better/stronger person). Although I am due for another one, my last self-reflection showed five strengths and weaknesses: action-oriented, compassionate, workaholic, protective, and friendly. There is some symmetry; although, it is not the same.

Because of my friendliness, building a rapport with people comes easily for me. Reflecting on my strengths and weaknesses is challenging since I criticize myself worse than outsiders. Therefore, I don't openly show weakness, so it is perceived that my strengths overshadow them. In the past, I was aware of the impression I give to people – good and bad. I also know that it differs greatly from their initial impression when they met me (it’s obvious in their facial expressions). Given these results, I am to cultivate the areas I need work and sustain my strengths. The real question is: are these really my strengths and weaknesses? Maybe it’s time to bring in outside opinions.

One of the obstacles I face as a Deaf/HOH person is the stereotype that we shouldn’t lead or be placed in leadership positions. Here’s why that is not only a myth but also false. I am a situational leader. Depending on the people in my group or problems/tasks to be done, my leadership style adapts. Many times, I have encouraged others to step up to the plate. My leadership characteristics such as rationality, analytical thinking, persistence, and detail-driven focus have influenced my interactions with others by driving me to achieve anything I set out to do. Patrick Walker, Fort Worth Star-Telegram said, “[Michelle has] already overcome a major life obstacle, doing so with a smile on her face and a determination that nothing is too big to overcome. It may sound like a cliché, but I expect big things from her”.

In the past, I had a charismatic approach to leadership. More specifically, I didn’t realize I was a leader. I figured my friends and peers just valued my opinion and asked for it often. Being voted into leadership positions without effort didn’t surprise me because of my likability. Though, I took those appointments seriously and did the jobs to the best of my abilities. People have chosen to be led by me, because I am spontaneously predictable. By this, I mean they expect stability in my leadership, but also know that I am willing to transition through change as it is relevant to the group/organization (mainly due to my transition from hearing to deaf/HOH). My transparency allows others to see my weaknesses without viewing me as weak (which gives me an approachable characteristic that draws people to me). People know me to be sympathetic and empathetic, because of these same weaknesses. Therefore, these qualities go hand-in-hand.

Even though I know I am different in obvious ways, I need to convey my uniqueness in a manner that promotes professionalism. I’m blessed enough to be surrounded by leaders in their own right (as well as actual leaders). In a way, I believe that I mimic and adapt to my environment. Even though I do not favor being in the spotlight, I know how and when to shine when I’m needed to step up to the plate. I have benefited so much from unofficial mentor-ships that I am a huge advocate of it. In an article I wrote about mentoring in 2011, I briefly talk about the quality of the mentor: “As Americans, we ought to be putting more emphasis on these mentor-ship programs and our children…” I still believe that question still holds true today.

I am a firm believer that the difficulty of leading someone with blinders on will get you little to no progress. This includes generalizing people without getting to know their capabilities. If all you knew about me was that I'm deaf/HOH and overlooked me because of it, you have missed out on so much. By interacting with people and showing them my successes as a deaf/HOH woman, I hope they won't do it to anyone else. Eventually, it will become their personal glass ceiling. Diversity is key to success!