Reclaiming Humanity in Career Narratives, According to Liz Ryan

In a recent LinkedIn post, Liz Ryan discusses the importance of infusing genuine humanity into professional career stories, particularly within the context of platforms like LinkedIn. Ryan highlights a pivotal moment in her career when she was told, “Liz, you write like a human,” a comment that initially caught her by surprise.

This observation forms the crux of her message, prompting a reflection on whether writing and communicating authentically should be the default, rather than an exception. Ryan introduces the concept of the “LinkedIn Impact Audit” as a tool to help individuals reconnect with and express their inherent humanity in their professional narratives.

“Liz, you write like a human.”

Ryan uses this anecdote to underscore a broader point: the perceived need to deviate from natural, human expression in professional settings. She suggests that many individuals may inadvertently adopt a more sterile or corporate tone, losing the authentic voice that makes their story compelling and relatable. The “LinkedIn Impact Audit,” as described by Ryan, aims to counteract this trend.

The Drive for Authenticity in Professional Branding

According to Liz Ryan, the professional world, and especially online platforms like LinkedIn, can sometimes encourage a performative or overly polished persona that may not reflect the individual’s true self. This can lead to career stories that feel impersonal and fail to resonate with recruiters, hiring managers, or even peers.

Ryan argues that this focus on “humanity” is not about unprofessionalism, but rather about authenticity and genuine connection. She points out that when a career narrative is infused with personal voice and relatable experiences, it becomes more impactful and memorable. As Ryan notes, the goal is to move away from generic corporate speak towards a more personal and genuine form of communication.

It startled me — shouldn’t we all?

This rhetorical question, posed by Ryan, invites readers to consider why authentic human expression might be seen as unusual in a professional context. She implies that the expectation of a certain type of professional communication might be hindering genuine self-representation. Her work, including the “LinkedIn Impact Audit,” is designed to empower individuals to break free from these perceived constraints.

Empowering Career Stories Through the LinkedIn Impact Audit

Ryan’s upcoming initiative, detailed in her post, aims to provide practical guidance for individuals looking to enhance their professional presence. By focusing on the “LinkedIn Impact Audit,” she is offering a framework for self-assessment and improvement.

The Goal: Reclaiming Your Voice

In essence, Liz Ryan is advocating for a return to more genuine forms of professional self-expression. She believes that by understanding and applying the principles of the “LinkedIn Impact Audit,” individuals can craft career stories that are not only professional but also deeply human and authentic. As Ryan states:

The LinkedIn Impact Audit is about reclaiming that humanity in your career story.

This initiative suggests a shift in perspective, moving from a potentially impersonal and formulaic approach to career branding towards one that values individual voice and authentic storytelling. Ryan’s message is a call to action for professionals to embrace their unique perspectives and communicate them in a way that is both effective and true to themselves.

And next month, I’m going to help you go even deeper.

This concluding remark signals Ryan’s commitment to providing ongoing support and deeper insights into the process of humanizing professional narratives, encouraging her audience to engage further with her work.