One of many things I’ve learned from coach Dale Bierce’s Sandler training is I/R separation. It has changed how I see myself as a person and an employee.
Let me explain:
“I” is my identity. It is who I am 24/7 and will NEVER change- I am a Christian, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a provider, a helper, among other things. I score myself a 10 most days.
“R” is my role. It is what I do 40-50 hours a week at work. I am employed by Bay Power, Inc. and my role is Branch Manager, and my responsibilities include managing sales and operations of the Fort Worth branch. I desire for my customers, vendors, employees and employer to perceive me as a 10, although some days I may perceive myself as only 3 due to a bad transaction, a missed deadline, a SOP that was not followed through etc.
Here is where learning I/R separation saved my sanity.
In the past, If I had a horrible day at work (my R) I used to go home thinking Jesse Mitchell (my I) was a 0 which only led me to acting like a 0 to my family. My Identity and Role were just one scrambled mess of head trash!
Now, when I clock out, regardless of how my day at work went, my “R” is turned off and time for me to enjoy and appreciate my “I” as a 10.
Having said that, The next day I clock in, I will acknowledge, assess and improve my behaviors, attitude and techniques to prevent having another bad day in my role, but never again will I let my role at work dictate my identity of who I am as an Individual.
I sincerely hope this helps someone.