IGNITION !

While in Lexington, Kentucky last week practicing with a strong team I had one of those special moments when you witness first hand, “IGNITION”, the moments that lead us to say………that is who I want to be!

Jacob is a young guy who is motivated, hard working and eager to learn. Jacob has been recognized by the Sr. Leadership Team as having strong leadership attributes and was invited to take part in the Built To Lead, 8 Essentials of Leading Teams Practice Sessions.

I was so inspired by his engagement, passion and commitment to the Built To Lead Process and learning outside the class, I had to sit Jacob down and find out more about what was going on! Simply put….what caused the “Ignition”….where was this emotional rocket fuel coming from?

Jacob shared with me the fact that Craig his boss had been an excellent mentor, always encouraging him to read, to learn and to never be lazy about personal development. Jacob started to see himself in a different light; from a different angle and it felt good…..he liked it! His wife encouraged his learning and suggested he take some courses at the local college. At first he thought they were boring and not very interesting. I think he said he dropped out of one course and did just OK in the other. He got a little discouraged but he wasn’t giving up!

Craig (his boss) was there with another book to read, encouraging words and Jacob’s wife encouraged him not to give up on school. Jacob knew in his heart things were changing, bigger responsibilities and recognition from others for his good work. He wasn’t totally sure what to do at times and the next step to take but settling for less was not the answer.

And then it happened, the Ignition! A leader who Jacob respected simply challenged him to find his own voice as a leader and grow other leaders in the organization. Jacob said it may not seem like much of a statement to some but it meant everything to him. Jacob’s words, “I’m not sure why but from that point on I got really focused about going back to school, reading, learning and being a better leader….. and I know I have a long way to go but I’m enjoying it.”

This is how Daniel Coyle who wrote “Talent Code’’ describes “Ignition”.

Ignition is about the set of signals and subconscious forces that create our identity; the moments that lead us to say….that is who I want to be!

What ignited the progress wasn’t any innate skill or gene. It was a small, ephemeral, yet powerful idea: a vision of their ideal future selves, a vision that oriented, energized, and accelerated progress.

I was truly Inspired by Jacob’s story and energized to continue my own quest for mastery as a Builder of Leaders.

Do you have a vision of your future ideal self that is energizing and accelerating progress in your life?

What are your Big Dreams….. emotional rocket fuel comes from those big dreams……the passion you feel in your gut….your heart!

What are you learning that’s new and exciting?

‘Every great and commanding moment in the annals of the world is a triumph of some enthusiasm.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson