Get Uncomfortable
Here’s the truth - the best leaders live uncomfortable lives.
I wish I could tell you that the best leaders are reclining, relaxing, and living stress-free. I wish I could promise you that one day you will be able to lead with your eyes closed and both arms tied behind your back. I wish I could guarantee you that every employee you hire or every person you choose to invest in will transform into great leaders, too. But, I refuse to regale you with falsehoods about leadership. That’s not reality.
Here’s what I can tell you: leadership can be exhausting, draining, confusing, rudderless, and thankless. Leaders are often judged too harshly, usually not given enough resources, blamed too easily, and will never meet the needs of every employee/follower at the same time. It’s a really uncomfortable life. And yet, the best leaders acknowledge and accept the scrutiny, judgment, and misperceptions because...well, someone has to have the vision to see the possible future; to be willing and committed to guide us across the choppy waves. And, honestly, would you want to work for a leader that has never faced adversity, never made a bad decision, or is not vulnerable enough to admit their mistakes? Would you want to follow a leader whose primary goal is easy street and not developing your capacity? The best leaders know that every experience, failed attempt, risk, decision, and hire is shaping their ability and capacity to care for, empathize with, advocate for, support, and coach those they lead. They know that their success is predicated on the growth, development, efficacy, and capacity of those they lead. The best leaders are primed for the work ahead because they are the result of another leader’s investment in them.
Similar to most things that are worth having, leadership takes effort, grit, perseverance, and discipline. Leadership is an art form, not a title or position, and creating great art is uncomfortable. So, leader... are you willing and committed to getting uncomfortable? I hope so, because nothing great comes from being comfortable!
Quote for Growth
“Our biggest successes are born out of discomfort, uncertainty, and risk.”