Who likes being put in a box?

PSA: This is an encouragement post. If you've ever felt boxed in, specifically when you are boxed into the wrong box, this one's for you!

I remember a time that I was in manager training, and we were introduced to a 9-box for talent reviews. I am the first to admit that I like a process, a good checklist, or a rubric that feels consistent and objective, so I jumped right into this rigid tool that would help me be fair and consistent in my team's performance reviews. As you can probably guess, that's not the way it went.

In the first and second review, I felt like some team members' performance and potential fit into two boxes because it checked some things on both lists. By the third and fourth, there were some people who I felt didn't really fit into a box, and then it got worse, I started to question, Who the hell am I to put these people in a box? It did not feel right. It felt weird. This is probably because my human instincts kicked in and kicked out the robot manager who sat in front of the computer screen.

As human beings, we value our individuality and unique characteristics. We take pride in our individual experiences, beliefs, and aspirations, and we do not want to be defined or constrained by the labels and expectations that others place upon us. This is why being put in a box is such an unpleasant experience, as it limits our freedom and denies us the opportunity to express ourselves fully.

Being put in a box (or 1 of 9 boxes in a grid) is the practice of labeling someone based on a particular characteristic or trait (in my case, performance and potential). For example, someone might be labeled as "high potential" because they take on new, challenging assignments and accomplish goals that impact the organization. These labels are often used to make assumptions about a person's personality, abilities, and potential, which can be damaging to their self-esteem and sense of identity. Imagine your manager telling you, you have reached your potential in your role. What do you do with that?

One of the reasons why being put in a box is so harmful is that it reduces us to a single characteristic or trait. It denies our complexity as individuals and suggests that we can be defined by a single aspect of our personality or behavior. This is particularly problematic when the label is negative, as it can create a self-fulfilling prophecy in which we begin to believe that we are only capable of certain things and limit ourselves accordingly.

Another reason why being put in a box is so damaging is that it can be used to justify discrimination and prejudice. When we label someone as "other" based on a single characteristic or trait, we create a division between "us" and "them." This can lead to stereotypes and assumptions that are based on misinformation or ignorance, which can lead to discrimination and unfair treatment.

Furthermore, being put in a box can limit our opportunities and potential. When others label us based on a particular characteristic or trait, they often make assumptions about what we can and cannot do. This can lead to missed opportunities and a lack of recognition for our talents and abilities. For example, someone who is labeled as "shy" might be overlooked for leadership roles, even though they have excellent ideas and insights to contribute.

Being put in a box is a harmful and limiting experience that denies us the opportunity to express our true selves. I think it is important that we resist the urge to label others and instead embrace their individuality and complexity. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and accepting team where everyone is valued for who they are.

Are you a manager or leader wondering so what do I use instead? Let's talk!