In the dynamic landscapes of modern careers, transitions are not merely steps from one position to another but pivotal moments of self-discovery and growth. Professor Herminia Ibarra’s pioneering work on professional development and identity change offers a compelling framework for understanding and navigating these transitions: the concept of “provisional selves.”
At the heart of Ibarra’s theory is the recognition that our professional identities are not static but fluid constructs that evolve through exploration and interaction.
According to Ibarra, the path to genuine leadership begins not with inward reflection but with outward action. New managers are encouraged to adopt different leadership behaviours and styles, effectively trying on various identities to see which aligns best with their values and team needs. These forays into other ways of leading are instances of provisional selves in action. Imagine you’re an actor stepping into different roles: one day, you’re a charismatic leader, and the next, you’re a thoughtful advisor.
In real life, we do something similar without the stage and costumes. This is what the concept of provisional selves is all about. It’s like trying on different outfits for various occasions. You might be the jokester in a group of friends, the diligent worker in the office, or the caring one in your family. These are your provisional selves—your versions that adapt to different settings and roles. At the heart of Ibarra’s theory is the recognition that our professional identities are not static but fluid constructs that evolve through exploration and interaction. In the face of a career transition, such as a promotion or a shift to a new field, individuals often encounter a gap between their established self-concept and the demands of their new role. Ibarra suggests bridging this gap requires adopting “provisional selves” — experimental versions of oneself tailored to different situations and expectations.
This approach illuminates how individuals can successfully adapt to new roles and challenges by experimenting with different versions of themselves.
Think about starting a new job. At first, you might adopt a more formal self, carefully choosing your words and actions to fit into the new environment. As you get comfortable, you reveal more of your true personality, blending the new professional self with your authentic self. This doesn’t mean you’re being fake; you’re learning to navigate different social landscapes, just like choosing the proper attire for a specific event. But here’s the catch: trying out these different selves is like balancing on a tightrope. Lean too much into one identity that doesn’t feel ‘you’, and you might start feeling like an imposter. Ignore the balancing act, and you need clarification. The key is finding the right mix—keeping your core self in sight while adapting parts of you to fit different scenarios. This balance helps you grow, learn, and connect with people in various aspects of life, just like a chameleon changing colours but remaining, at heart, a chameleon.
It’s like trying on different outfits for various occasions. You might be the jokester in a group of friends, the diligent worker in the office, or the caring one in your family.
What makes provisional selves particularly powerful is their role in experiential learning. As individuals test out new behaviours and observe the results, they gain insights into what works and what doesn’t, both in terms of their effectiveness and comfort with the adopted identities. This process of trial and error is not about inauthenticity but about informed adaptation. It allows individuals to craft a professional identity that is authentic to their self-concept and responsive to their evolving environment.
However, the journey through provisional selves is not without its challenges. It requires a delicate balance between experimentation and authenticity, adapting to external expectations and remaining true to one’s values and beliefs. The key is reflective practice — continually assessing one’s experiences and integrating the lessons learned into a coherent sense of self. In today’s ever-changing professional world, adapting and growing is invaluable. Ibarra’s concept of provisional selves offers a roadmap for navigating career transitions with agility and purpose. By embracing the idea that we can experiment with different versions of ourselves, we open the door to new career possibilities and pathways. Ultimately, the journey through provisional selves is not just about finding the right fit for a particular role but about evolving into the fullest expression of our professional selves.