Sometimes a surprisingly simple and effective way to become a better leader in STEM is to change your perspective. It is amazing how simple this can be. Let me share something that happened to me when I was a participant in a training program at a STEM company with a highly credentialed workforce.

The trainer started with a somewhat unusual round of introductions . In addition to other information, she asked us to share what the first job was that we ever dreamed of having when we were children. I immediately remembered my first dream job: I was about four years old, I lived with my parents in an apartment complex, and the most powerful person I experienced in that world was the building superintendent, so that was my first dream job.

I shared that in my introduction. Other people shared that they had wanted to become astronauts, deep sea marine biologists, and engineers, and the trainer shared that she had wanted to become the first female president. I was struck by the big contrast between the high aspirations that others had and what now looked to me like a low standard that I had aspired to. I’ll admit I left that experience a little bit depressed, worried that I just don’t aim high enough.

Not much later, I had to attend the same training workshop again. I approached the round of introductions with a bit of apprehension, because I expected it to go the same way — especially my own emotional state. As I observed the other introductions , it occurred to me that none of the others had achieved their first professional dream … and I had . This moment of insight completely changed my perspective.

( Later I wondered what overachieving and underachieving means in this context, and what that kind of judgement says about me, but that’s a different story.)

Same facts , but a different perspective, a different outlook and most importantly, different interactions with the other participants.

Take the next step

Pay attention to your self-talk. When it’s taking your emotional state in the wrong direction, try to find other ways to frame the context. When you have different options, make the choice that gives you the greatest sense of empowerment for the context . This way, you’ll be able to show up with the best possible leadership.