Beyond Labels

On holiday this week, I was wandering through a shopping mall in New Orleans when this t-shirt stopped me in my tracks. I just had to ask for a photo.

A simple black tee – but such a bold and beautiful message.

Words like felon, criminal, offender, inmate boldly crossed out. In their place? Coach. Hairstylist. Entrepreneur. Neighbour.

We so often judge people by the chapter we walked in on. But what if we took time to hear the whole story? Got to know the person? Were more curious?

What if we stopped labelling people by their past, and started seeing who they’re becoming?

Imagine a world where we built workplaces, communities, and relationships based on potential and possibility, not just history and assumptions.

We reduce complex, brilliant human beings down to a single word, a behaviour, a moment. Even in the CliftonStrengths world, people can feel labelled when they hear things like: “I’m a Relator” or “You’ve got Command.”

But we know we’re more than 5 words, 10 words, or even 34 talent themes.

We are layered. Evolving. Contradictory. Surprising. A messy mix of learning, experience, struggles, and talent.

Labels are easy. Understanding people takes effort. But what we choose to see in someone – and what we believe they’re capable of – can either limit or liberate them.

I’ve done it myself. And I’ve been on the receiving end too.

As someone with Command, one of the rarer strengths themes, I’ve been called bossy, aggressive, even intimidating. But what’s underneath that? Clarity. Confidence. Courage. A deep care for people and a desire to cut through confusion when it counts, to take a stand and to lead.

It’s taken time (and more than a few raised eyebrows) to own my talents and strengths and shake off the labels that didn’t fit. Sometimes they creep back on, until we peel them off again.

So today, a little invitation:

👉 Think of someone you’ve quietly labelled, maybe based on their job title, background, hidden or visible disability or how they showed up in a meeting.

Now ask yourself: What talents might they be hiding underneath that label? What possibilities are you overlooking?

We're all more than the worst thing we’ve done. We’re more than the version of ourselves someone else chose to see.

👕💬 What labels have you shaken off to become who you are today?

#StrengthsBased #LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleNotLabels #Trust #CliftonStrengths #GrowthMindset #Command