Many of my clients are owners of their business, and like me, they oftentimes refer to their company as their “baby.” Most, I assume, use this phrase to denote their sense of love, admiration, and identity with their creation. These leaders are not just running a company, they are nurturing and developing their team as if they are offspring; oftentimes, they are.
Many a parent overly identify with their offspring. Many a parent treat the “emerging adults” as if they were teenagers and their teens as if they were ten. Many treat their ten year olds as if they were toddlers and value risk aversion over real growth. Parenting is hard. The greatest leaders throughout history have been able to master a few things consistently. Here’s one. Great leaders create a sense, among their team, of both community and autonomy. We are wired to belong AND become. The same can be said for the most influential of parents.
All humans want to belong to someone, to fit in somewhere, to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and, paradoxically, to become their own man/woman. We deeply desire both. Do you see where these desires create conflict within? Are you getting this? Do you know who you are, with whom you belong, and where you’re going. If you haven’t won the battle within, my friend, how you gonna pass this along to your team in work/life? Do you understand what I mean by no leader can take a team farther than they’ve gone themselves? This is the leadership challenge…
No company will test your patience and love as much as your children will. No company will frustrate and worry you as much or bring you more joy and blessedness than will your team at home. No company will test your leadership ability as much either. And, no leadership challenge will be more rewarding than living in the chaos with your creations and giving someone the gift of belonging while getting out of the way of their becoming. How you doing with your leadership challenge, friend?
How Y.O.U. doing…
BUILT TO LEAD 