I don’t know how not to lead.
That might sound strange to you, but it’s true. I am almost pathologically unable to sit still, be quiet, not jump in and take charge, particularly if there’s a problem to be solved. I do know how to follow, but when there’s a gaping void of leadership, I can’t ignore it. I must fill it. It’s how I’m wired. It’s in my DNA.
The irony is that I am now tasked with coming up with – get this – a leadership project!
Here is what I know right now about this:
1. I enjoy what I do for a living, but I don’t know that I LOVE it. I can do it, yes, and while doing it, I usually do not want to put pins in my eyes over it, so that’s a plus, definitely. But I’m not sure I am able to give back to the world in as big a way as I’d like.
2. It may be that what I’m looking for is simply an extension of what I do. Some other form of it, maybe.
3. I worry that I don’t have the discipline required to make a dent in the Universe in a meaningful way. You can see my track record here at this blog is nothing like consistent. That’s how I’ve observed myself for years: Not consistent, but instead showing up in fiery, spontaneous bursts of inspiration and motivation…often, but not on a schedule. Not predictable. Dare I say it aloud…”not reliable.” [Gasp!]
Well, let me stop myself right here. That’s total horseshit. I am one of, if not the most, reliable people the folks who know me know, according to them. In fact, they might say the only way I’m not reliable is when it comes to championing myself. (Huh…well, look, folks…this paragraph is me doing exactly that. So, I’m learning.)
So, if I’m wired to lead, how can I lead more consciously, more purposefully, more authentically?
This is my question to live with today.
So what's keeping you from just plowing in and count on being awesome like you always are? If you are thinking you're playing too small then it's definitely time for a bigger game. Is the question now "Which game do I like playing best?" Or is it still "How do I play the one I'm in and have fun doing it?"
I'm wondering if you're asking the right questions because the mirror is not always gonna say whatcha wanna hear, m'friend 🙂
Nancy, you may have just nailed it. After sitting with both of your questions for awhile now, I'm thinking neither are really the right question.
Reading all these great books here of late has sure got me all stirred up and agitated. I'm hoping that means I'm getting closer to the right question. 🙂
As I see it a leader is a row-model, and only by improving himself constantly can he be an example for others. It's not important to lead, but' s important to set and example, even if it is for for children.
Great man and women of then and today usually have a few key leadership traits in common. These characteristics can vary according to the leader, and some have more than others. The key point in here is that the best leaders make hard decisions and shoulder the responsibility for its outcome. Leaders are usually the first to be awarded if endeavors are successful. For example, the head captain of a country's winning soccer team will be credited for guiding the team to victory. Leaders are also usually the first to be chastised if endeavors are unsuccessful. If a pro football team loses the championship game, the head coach could be replaced or asked to quit even though he did not even touch the football directly. But I just think that of you don't make some plan to decide now, you actually plan to fail.
Hi Suzanne,
I just found your blog by accident. 🙂 I like it. The layout is great.
And to have good things in the DNA is always good 😉
I really don't think you can worry about how much of a dent you put in the universe. That final analysis may not be written for some time. A friend of mine teaches at a local high school and one of her students came up to her and said that she had changed his life. As they say if you are impacting one person you are successful. Maybe one is all you need to make a dent.
I believe that Leadership is in every person DNA because we all are humans. The things you have mentioned about your represents that you listen your self and only your self this is what actually make a complete and real human. We are all blessed with brains which can do stuff in a very well and planned logical and reasonable way so why you should follow others.
Leadership is one of the rarest quality which people posses and i am happy to know that you didn't have to do anything to improve it. There are a very few people who are so much natural as leaders as it is not any easy thing. Nice post i enjoyed reading it a lot.
I think the best option is to just dive right in. I think a lot of times I give myself less credit than I deserve and can do much more than I think. You might be doing the same thing. Just step back and evaluate yourself and say "what can I bring to the table here and how can I do that?" I think you will be just fine!
Liked your blog very much. It is very beautiful. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful post with us.
Be greatful for that, I've been trying for years to be a leader and it's just not me apparently, I'll keep trying tho!
your article is great… and i like the title