I am all three of these leaders in various moments of every single day. I aspire to be leader 3 and am practicing mindfulness so that I can notice which one I am embodying and then adjust as needed.
After reading your response, I, too, feel Leader 1 & 2 creeping around often. I think that’s who’s lurking in the difficult/scary/anxious feelings that I reflected on.
I identify with Leader 3. It accurately sums up how I feel - lost interest in the work that I’m great at, but fired up to guide and empower others to take the lead and demonstrate their strengths and passions. Every time I let go of the tactical, it feels hard, scary and I get a bit anxious, but it is getting easier and easier…more natural each time. This reminds me of the Zone of Genius - I’m in the zone of excellence (great at doing, enjoy only sometimes) and I am realizing what a dangerous place this is to be. I’ve been latching on to all of the little moments where it feels like I’m operating in the zone of genius (love doing, enjoy always) - empowering/guiding - and that’s the reason I continue to show up each day. Hoping for more of it as I continue to let go and earn trust.
While in the past, I have definitely resonated most with Leaders 1 & 2, those are areas in which I believe I have shown improvement (and some of this supported by changing teams and roles), and am more alert to when I do need to focus on that. Currently, Leader 3 is most resonant with me, as I navigate shifting workload and responsibilities and am finding new opportunities for growth. Looking at my role right now, and looking ahead, focusing on the people and team dynamics to achieve more efficient collaboration, better client service, and great personal growth are all areas I'm focused on.
Reading your comment, Jenna, I wonder if this is a cyclical progression as well as a choice: Every time we reach a certain level of competence, we have the opportunity to be Leader 3 and pass on what we know how to do easily, so we can step into new growth for ourselves as well. Then, perhaps we're likely to be Leaders 1 & 2 for a while before we find ease being Leader 3 again.
I am all three of these leaders in various moments of every single day. I aspire to be leader 3 and am practicing mindfulness so that I can notice which one I am embodying and then adjust as needed.
Good call, Lauren. For most of us, it's going to depend on the situation and the person(s) involved, as well as our own sense of ourselves.
After reading your response, I, too, feel Leader 1 & 2 creeping around often. I think that’s who’s lurking in the difficult/scary/anxious feelings that I reflected on.
I identify with Leader 3. It accurately sums up how I feel - lost interest in the work that I’m great at, but fired up to guide and empower others to take the lead and demonstrate their strengths and passions. Every time I let go of the tactical, it feels hard, scary and I get a bit anxious, but it is getting easier and easier…more natural each time. This reminds me of the Zone of Genius - I’m in the zone of excellence (great at doing, enjoy only sometimes) and I am realizing what a dangerous place this is to be. I’ve been latching on to all of the little moments where it feels like I’m operating in the zone of genius (love doing, enjoy always) - empowering/guiding - and that’s the reason I continue to show up each day. Hoping for more of it as I continue to let go and earn trust.
If anyone reading would like to learn more about the zone of genius, check out the article or the book referenced: https://www.forbes.com/sites/briannawiest/2018/09/26/how-to-get-into-the-zone-of-genius-and-unlock-your-highest-potential/?sh=587435885672
Yes, the zone of genius is a great place to be! And leaves plenty of room for the rest of our team to find their zones as well.
While in the past, I have definitely resonated most with Leaders 1 & 2, those are areas in which I believe I have shown improvement (and some of this supported by changing teams and roles), and am more alert to when I do need to focus on that. Currently, Leader 3 is most resonant with me, as I navigate shifting workload and responsibilities and am finding new opportunities for growth. Looking at my role right now, and looking ahead, focusing on the people and team dynamics to achieve more efficient collaboration, better client service, and great personal growth are all areas I'm focused on.
Reading your comment, Jenna, I wonder if this is a cyclical progression as well as a choice: Every time we reach a certain level of competence, we have the opportunity to be Leader 3 and pass on what we know how to do easily, so we can step into new growth for ourselves as well. Then, perhaps we're likely to be Leaders 1 & 2 for a while before we find ease being Leader 3 again.