The Ethical Chameleon

During a discussion on the book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain, Suzy and I discussed in depth whether or not people should become chameleons based on who they are with or who they are expected to be. Let me share a story that may reset your thinking… 

I was sweating profusely, my heart was racing, and I couldn’t maintain focus. I fumbled my notes in the hallway as I walked unwilling down to a dark, chilly room. I flicked on the lights and started setting up my computer… 

Being a turbulent introvert, I am constantly reflecting on ways I can improve - always replaying past conversations I have had with people and thinking of different things I could have said or how I wanted to follow up. I embrace this part of me however, it also comes with a downfall - I constantly visualize future events and run through different outcomes, both positive and negative, which can become quite crippling.

While my computer was starting up, I began visualizing how the day would go and it quickly became overwhelming. I started asking myself, “Why am I here?” “What makes me qualified?” “Why would they want to listen to me?”

I knew I had to pull it together quickly or I would fail miserably - it was my first day of teaching General Biology at the United States Air Force Academy; and the first day determines the outcome of the rest of the semester. 

As students began to pour into the classroom, for some reason I began chanting positive affirmations to myself under my breath over and over: “I know the material.” “I am an educator.” “I am a mentor.”

At that moment, I felt like a curtain had been lifted. At that moment, I began visualizing a positive outcome. At that moment, my “what” aligned with my “why.” 

And at that moment, I became a chameleon and stepped into the role as a confident extroverted educator.

At the end of the day, after three, two hour classes, I was drained both physically and emotionally, and all I wanted to do was be alone and recharge. However, that day I learned the power of becoming a chameleon.

Because I became a chameleon, the first day went off without a hitch and I had one of the most rewarding days of my life. Because I became a chameleon, I was able to sharpen my education and mentoring skills, which eventually earned me a teaching excellence award during my second year. And because I became a chameleon, I was able to fulfill my why - becoming an inspirational mentor to Cadets.

Although I have been teaching for several years now and I have given lectures to crowds in the 100s, I still have to continue to recite positive affirmations to myself which allows for the constant alignment of my “what” to my “why.”

A lot of people are told growing up: “Embrace who you are, and don’t let others dictate who you should be.” In my opinion, and Suzy is in agreement with me, it is often necessary to become a chameleon in order to fulfill or pursue your “why”; therefore, our conclusion is that as long as you NEVER compromise your integrity or your morals then it is perfectly fine to become an ethical chameleon and blend in with the people you are with or become the person you are expected to be when necessary.

I know there will be several people that agree and disagree and we would love to hear your opinions below in the comments. What is your why? Do you ever become a chameleon to achieve your why?

Reset. Adventure on.