I am always excited when a powerful question or statement crosses my path or, better yet, slams me in the face! Yesterday, I had such an encounter. Seth Godin got my attention when he stated, “If you’re not uncomfortable in your work as a leader, it’s almost certain you’re not reaching your potential as a leader”.
He was talking about the discomfort we sometimes feel as a leader and furthermore, when we identify the discomfort, we’ve found a place where leadership is needed. His list includes:
Standing up in front of strangers
Proposing an idea that may fail
Challenging the status quo
Resisting the urge to settle
I DO love those moments that move me out of my comfort zone and into what I call a “seat squirming” state. I know when I start squirming, I am onto to something, and that something is usually growth!
Of course, I also like to state things in a positive frame, so my list may look something like:
Motivating people in the direction of a shared goal
Creating and innovating with others, living in a synergy zone
Thinking outside the box and trying something that “hasn’t been done before”
Pushing myself and others to live in creativity and authenticity, even when it may be more work
My list not only feels good when I put it on, but it moves me beyond comfort to electric energy.
What are your thoughts? Comfortable? Discomfort? What would you add to the list?
As always, I truly appreciate your insight.
With love,
Maria