I remember when this thought first came to me back in 2015. I was hiking with a couple clients in Arizona. One was limping badly toward the end of our nearly seven mile climb. Had a bum ankle. Was carrying a few extra lb’s. His physical therapist had him doing a few stretches but was not making him do what he can. The result?
He was not getting better. He was, in fact, getting worse. Yeah, I know, I know, we must allow our bodies, souls, and minds to rest and recover. Agreed. I am not against recovery modalities. All for them, in fact. However, if your aim is to become great in whatever is your endeavor, you must inflict more acute pain to eliminate the chronic. This will be traumatic. Embrace this acute pain and suffering. It. Won’t. Last. Long.
Too many well intended leaders believe talent needs coddling, talent needs freedom, talent needs to be left alone, and talent needs to be recruited. All are incomplete truths. Talent needs all of those. And…
Talent needs trauma.
Today, I practiced with a couple leadership teams who are missing out on the benefits of a good crisis. They’re afraid to speak truth to their most talented. They’re choosing to walk with a limp instead of do the hard work of building a stronger ankle. Talent needs trauma. What truth you tiptoeing around, leader? Slow down. Reflect. Write. What, if anything, you gonna do about it?
Live hard. Love ❤️ harder…
BUILT TO LEAD 
Love the picture of the talent!