Practice today…

Yesterday, this really cool team of 9 practiced with this really cool team of 11.

The team of 9 had been practicing together for almost one year.  The team of 11 had never experienced a single BUILT TO LEAD practice.  Yesterday was their first taste.  Yesterday, the team of 11 came alongside the team of 9 and formed a new team of 20.

The team of 9 and the team of 11 have been working together for years, remember.  They are on the same team, remember.  They are all passionate about soles, remember.  Yesterday, they experienced the power of practice. They just did.

As I observed this merger, if you will, I couldn’t help but notice how much the team of 9 was learning by going back for their “second serving.”  I noticed the anxiety and the anticipation from the 11.  I saw real strength and tons of energy.  I took in a ton yesterday.  I just did.  I’ve come to understand that “taking it in” is a master skill all leaders must come to possess.  Few do.  Few focus here.  Few even have a “feel” for it.  Funny, huh…

AND, I couldn’t help but catch how much this team of 9 was learning about the power of practicing with their teams.  The power of practice. Really practicing.  Really applying.  Really waiting.  Really becoming curious.  Really being vulnerable.  Really being with. Really being challenged to lead without commanding.  Really questioning without leading the witness.  Really remembering what it was like to “not know” what you’ve come to understand.  Really waiting to send until you sense another is moving toward you.  REAL.  HARD.  WORK. Magic…

The purpose of BTL is really simple to understand and really HARD to practice.  Our purpose, remember, is to awaken, challenge, and transform individuals, teams, and leaders (9,11,20, ?) into ONE.  ONE, distinct and deeply connected, that is BUILT TO LEAD.

Yesterday’s practice was toward that purpose.  Yesterday’s practice showed us how far we’ve come and how far we have to go.  Yesterday’s practice introduced me to Jean, JT, Kim, Tom, Rob, Chris, Tina, and 4 more.  Yesterday’s practice followed our framework and was full of surprises.  Yesterday’s practice left everyone with more questions than answers.  Yesterday’s practice didn’t solve anything and didn’t create any quick wins.  Yesterday’s practice left some glowing, some flowing, some floundering, and some wishing it had been snowing.  Yesterday’s practice awoke.  Yesterday’s practice challenged.  Yesterday’s practice began the transformation process.  What matters, however, is what we do today.  Do you see it?

Team of 9.  Team of 11.  Team of 20.  Practice today.  Practice today.  Practice today.

Practice for a couple minutes.  Practice on your own.  Practice going quietly in your room, alone.  Practice with a few.  Practice at home.  Practice with a couple.  Practice with your tribe.  Practice with your team.  Practice with your bride.

Practice today…