Cam Aitken’s Development Journey with LSI
Background:
Cam Aitken, a long-time team member at Shape Group, started his career as a carpenter before transitioning into project management. Early on, he developed a strong work ethic focused on reliability, hard work, and maintaining smooth relationships. However, his leadership style leaned heavily on Approval and Conventional tendencies—keeping his head down and focusing on being “the nice guy.”
The Turning Point:
A leadership workshop sparked Cam’s realization that external behaviors influenced how others perceived leadership. To stand out, he adjusted his approach, becoming more outwardly constructive. This shift led to promotions, but deep down, he still felt like he was “faking it.” When Shape introduced the Life Styles Inventory (LSI) through Human Synergistics, Cam received a major wake-up call—his self-perception (LSI 1) was drastically different from how others saw him (LSI 2). While colleagues viewed him as constructive, internally, he experienced self-doubt, stress, and imposter syndrome.
Actions Taken:
Determined to bridge this gap, Cam took ownership of his development:
- He carefully studied his LSI results and read through the supporting materials.
- He openly shared his development goals with colleagues and sought their feedback.
- He implemented daily reminders, such as Post-it notes on his computer, to reinforce constructive behaviors.
- He experimented with small, consistent changes—addressing challenges head-on, engaging more proactively in meetings, and practicing self-belief.
- Over 12-15 months, he diligently worked on shifting his mindset and behaviors.
Results:
Upon retesting, Cam saw significant alignment between his LSI 1 and LSI 2, validating his efforts. He felt a stronger sense of authenticity, confidence, and self-belief, leading to improved personal and professional fulfillment. His transformation impacted not just his career but also his relationships at home and with friends.
Paying It Forward:
Inspired by his own journey, Cam became an accredited LSI practitioner within Shape. He now helps colleagues through their own LSI debriefs, contributing to the company’s thriving constructive culture. Shape’s commitment to leadership development, with senior leaders actively involved in culture-building, has contributed to its industry recognition, including multiple Constructive Culture Sustainability Awards.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-perception vs. external perception matters: A gap between the two can create stress and self-doubt, but awareness is the first step to change.
- Development is a daily practice: Small, consistent actions make a big difference over time.
- Culture radiates outward: Shape’s constructive approach benefits not only employees but also clients and industry partners.
- Leaders play a crucial role in shaping culture: Cam’s story highlights the power of paying it forward—helping others grow fosters a sustainable constructive workplace.
Final Thought:
Cam’s journey illustrates the profound impact of personal and organizational development. His story is a testament to the power of LSI in transforming leadership styles, boosting confidence, and creating lasting positive change.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about Cam’s insights and experiences firsthand!