One of my most formative work memories is of a former manager encouraging me to learn to control my ‘sun dial’. My sunny disposition sometimes meant I could come across as light and fluffy, and wanting to be everyone’s friend, which was affecting my ability to be regarded as a trusted advisor.

The advice was meant to be helpful and it’s stayed with me. Time has made me realise that my manager wasn’t asking me to be something I’m not – but to learn to use my sunny disposition to my advantage, and ‘turn it down’ when it wasn’t.

This feedback has brought me huge benefits, allowing me to be true to who I am  in a managed and appropriate way.

I control my sundial depending on how I want to present myself. Sometimes I’m emotionally distant to ensure my advice, not my disposition, resonates. Often I’m very warm, particularly with clients with whom I have a strong, trust-based relationship. But I’ve also learnt that my clients can’t be my best friends – so I shouldn’t treat them like they are; that’s why I have personal friends!

As well as being something I have to be aware of, my sunny-ness is also one of my biggest strengths. My colleagues respect my ability to ‘network’ (little do they know I don’t like it any more than they do, I just look like I enjoy it more!) and I am able to develop strong client relationships very quickly.

The biggest challenge for us all is identifying our strengths – and how we can build on them in our work life. We’re all unique – and our quirky characteristics are huge strengths. Whether a devil’s advocate, the office clown, or an intellectual, we can bring energy and skills to encourage others to see a different point of view, remove tension, and encourage rigorous thinking.

The biggest danger is trying to be something we’re not. By all means we should be inspired by others, pick up tips and ideas, and tweak our style. Many of us can also make significant changes, for example learning to be a better communicator. But it’s a dangerous road to be something you’re not; ultimately it’s about building on your strengths, not fixing your weaknesses.

It’s also important to be conscious that you’ll bring your own unique style. Maggie Thatcher, Nelson Mandela and Mohammed Ali were hugely respected for their mental toughness, but they displayed it in very different ways – and as a result, they were regarded very differently.

The challenge comes when, like my sun dial, our quirky qualities begin to have a negative effect on our work. Being aware of our tendencies is the key to learning how to balance and manage them, while still being true to who we are.

Ultimately, the key to professional success is building our own reputation based on who we are, and playing to our unique strengths. Be inspired by role models, and take on advice, but avoid emulating a role model and in doing so subsume who we are.

We should be able to walk into our office without leaving our unique personality, like we do our coat, at the door.