You want to be asking (and thinking about) these questions: What goes on the canvas are your talents, skills and vision.It's not what's on the canvas that you should be considering or worried aboutīut rather the size of the canvas itself.

However, there is a third mindset which I believe is a combination of the above and what you should really be thinking: Neither one is better than the other as it solely depends on the person and the opportunity. Oh my, that could be too much, too big or too vague.Wow, this is amazing - think of all the possibilities.You see, most people when told 'it's a blank canvas' immediately fall into one of two mindsets: Maybe Milton had the right mindset when it came to opportunities. The key is making sure the opportunity is one you wish to take on and one that's going to work for you. Opportunities are what make life special and that's where you can grow and learn. You see the problem isn't the statement itself but rather what you aren't saying when you hear it. Short of a recruiter or hiring manager handing you an actual blank canvas, you should pause and re-think the statement. Even if it's their company, they still are accountable to others. That doesn't happen to even the smartest, highest paid and most well like CEO's. When it comes to working in a company or organization, they aren't simply going to give you the keys and say good luck. It's a statement that on the surface sounds amazing but having the opportunity to do whatever you want almost sounds too good to be true and that's because it is. The term ' blank canvas' implies many things, potentially too many things.It sounds great if you are a commissioned artist about to take on your next masterpiece or a toddler with a bucket of finger paints, but if you're anyone else - be cautious of this phrase and here is why: Sound familiar? These are just some of the many phrases associated with the phrase 'it's a blank canvas' when a recruiter or hiring manager tells you about a new opportunity.Įxciting.yes. It's wide open, we are looking for you to tell us. It's a new role so we are open to fresh ideas.

Blank Canvas by Mere Joyce