I've been talking quite a bit about Leadership lately and how one lives from that place. For me, it's always started with the Big Vision - what I am passionate about, what can I imagine creating? It’s the fuel for stepping on the path. I think of this part as the easy part for I've always had an active imagination! Never a lack of vision around me! The challenge has been carrying them out.
Going from the excitement of the Big Vision to implementation is the kicker. It can seem like going from Broadway back to that little town where you’ll never see your name in lights! But, this is where things show up like determination, communication, creativity, and your own sense of Being - over and over and over again. As an entrepreneur for over 20 years, I can speak to the fact that not on all days do you feel that you're at the top of the wave - there are many that you feel down in the trough. I know many of your reading this understand what I mean!
So getting back to the Surfer metaphor, let’s look at these ideas, excerpted from the book: “If it ain’t Broke…BREAK IT! and Other Unconventional Wisdom for a Changing Business World”
by Robert Kriegel and Louis Patler. I’ve added my comments in green. Although I happen to live somewhere that surfing just ain’t gonna happen, from a perspective that incorporates all planetary imagery, let’s try it out!
1. PASSION RULES: The best surfers don't spend a lot of time on the beach, talking about surfing. They love the water and no matter how rough or calm it is, they are out there looking for a wave. What are you passionate about? Where could you step into leadership now – where is the first (or next) step on your journey? Get into the water!
2. NO DARE/ NO FLAIR: Good surfers, like top performers everywhere, are consistently pushing the limits. Combining skill and preparation with boldness and daring ... constantly trying new moves, going for new waves and longer rides. How are you stretching yourself? We all have an amazing amount of hidden potential but in order to access it we must reach beyond what we think we can do.
3. EXPECT TO WIPE OUT: Welcome the unexpected when you play in big waves; learn from the wipeout... as a matter of fact if you're not wiping out, something is wrong. Yes, no wipeouts at all means that you’re not asking that extra bit of yourself. What voices keep you playing small? Are they really telling you the truth or just dressed up fiction to keep you safe?
4. DON'T TURN YOUR BACK ON THE OCEAN: Respect the power of the ocean. Don't take those forces which are beyond your control for granted. There are things we can influence and there are things that we have no control over. Pay attention to both. Act where you can, so that you’ll be able to feel your own power while at the same time maintaining conscious awareness of what’s around you.
5. KEEP LOOKING "OUTSIDE": outside refers to the waves coming in on the horizon. Surfers know that you have to pay attention to the waves closest to you, the one you are riding, and simultaneously to what's coming. What’s new on the horizon of your passion? Are you making time to listen on a global scale? This requires using your creative intuition and entering into conversations beyond your immediate realm. Who inspires you to do this? How can you be supported to reach beyond the boundaries of your immediate circle?
6. MOVE BEFORE IT MOVES YOU: To catch a wave, you have to begin moving well before it comes to you. A big wave, like big change, moves so fast that if you wait until it is on top of you ... it will be too late ... leaving you in the backwash. Looking "outside" enables you to be prepared for the future. I call this leaning into what’s next. It can be facilitated by giving yourself permission to just explore and be open. This is the perspective that not just sets a tone in your Being, but will let hidden allies know you are ready to receive inspiration.
7. NEVER SURF ALONE: Not just for safety's sake, but surfers can pool their knowledge and resources to learn about and get to more exotic spots. They can trade tips, hot spots, and techniques. Plus, in a world that seems to become more isolated everyday, they have someone who they can share their hopes, dreams, and joys with ... and we can all use a little help from our friends. Is this a partial description of being in relationship with a coach or mentor coach? This is not the time of the loner. It’s the time to be creating a community of support that you can participate in. Nourish others and be nourished yourself. Don’t hide out – be seen! Be active in finding your tribe: the place where you are acknowledged for who you are and who you’re becoming.
While every leader has a vision, every one of the guidelines above require consciousness. As we grow, we become more of our True Self. And we find the acceptance and love for just where we are now. This permission to include all of who and what we are is like water to a spring flower. When you accept what is with love, it’s like preparing the soil for growth. A little bit like adding some Miracle Grow! Being and Becoming can thrive together, supported by a path of inclusion of the Now and What’s to Be.
If you have responses to this article, please email me at Victoria@truelifecoach.net. I’m interested in hearing your perspectives on the Leadership path.
Coach Victoria
(970)259-9040
Victoria@truelifecoach.net
