This week, I had the privilege of attending a brilliant one-man performance of A Christmas Carol in London, starring the talented David Alwyn. He brought Dickens’ world to life, seamlessly portraying nearly all the characters, from the miserly Scrooge to the spectral spirits, with some clever audience participation thrown in. It was more than just a masterclass in acting—it was a mirror held up to the stories we tell about ourselves and how we’re seen by others.
Dickens’ classic tale is fundamentally about transformation. Ebenezer Scrooge begins as a man defined by his selfishness and isolation, but through the intervention of the three spirits, he gains profound insight into how others perceive him—both in his present and after his death. This stark confrontation with his “dark side” spurs him to embrace the better version of himself, one capable of joy, generosity, and connection.
The Stories We Tell Ourselves
We all play the storyteller in our own lives, weaving narratives about who we are based on our experiences, ambitions, and values. But as Dickens reminds us, these narratives don’t exist in isolation. The way others perceive us often doesn’t align with how we see ourselves. Scrooge thought he was simply being prudent and practical, but the world saw him as cruel and cold-hearted.
This gap between self-perception and external reputation is a theme that extends beyond literature—it’s a core principle in modern psychology, particularly in the work of Dr. Robert Hogan. His Hogan psychometric assessments explore three key dimensions of personality:
- The Bright Side – Our everyday strengths and positive qualities that build trust and relationships.
- The Dark Side – The derailers or overused strengths that can emerge under stress, causing damage to relationships and careers.
- Motives and Values – The deeper drivers that influence our decisions and the culture we thrive in.
Learning From Scrooge: Bright and Dark Sides
Scrooge’s transformation is a perfect example of exploring these dimensions. His “dark side” traits—mistrust, cold detachment, and a relentless focus on control—dominated his interactions, isolating him from others. But his journey with the spirits revealed his “bright side” potential: generosity, empathy, and an ability to connect deeply with others.
In the workplace (and in life), we may not have ghostly visitors to force us into self-reflection. However, tools like the Hogan assessments provide a structured way to understand how others experience our bright and dark sides. By confronting these insights, we can make intentional choices to “flex” the better parts of ourselves while managing or mitigating the darker traits that can undermine our reputation.
Audience Participation: The Value of Feedback
One of the elements that made Alwyn’s performance so engaging was the inclusion of audience participation. It reminded me of the importance of feedback in our personal and professional growth. Just as Scrooge learned from seeing himself through the eyes of others, we too need candid input from those around us to understand how we are perceived. Are we the supportive leader or the overly controlling manager? The generous friend or the self-absorbed colleague?
Seeking this feedback requires vulnerability, but it’s an essential step in aligning the story we tell ourselves with the story others see in us.
The Call to Action: Flexing Our Better Selves
As we approach the festive season, A Christmas Carol serves as a timely reminder to reflect on who we are and who we want to be. Are we living in alignment with our values? Are we nurturing our relationships? Are we actively working to manage our derailers so that they don’t define us?
By embracing tools like the Hogan psychometric assessments—and Dickens’ timeless wisdom—we can gain the clarity we need to grow. Let’s channel the spirit of transformation and move into the new year with the determination to flex our bright side, manage our dark side, and stay true to the motives and values that guide us.
As Tiny Tim so perfectly puts it, “God bless us, every one!”
What reflections has A Christmas Carol or similar experiences prompted for you? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re navigating the interplay between self-perception and reputation.
