(Image Courtesy of soulseeds.com)
During the final session of a five-part series with leaders, we asked them to create an intentional leadership plan and present it to the rest of the group. Each leader tackled the greatest challenge before them in the next year, and described how they were going to make progress.
This can be an intimidating group. They are the top in their field. They have accomplished a lot. They are all viewed by each other as very successful.
Many outlined how knowing themselves helped lay the foundation for this project. Some had slides and handouts. Others simply stood up and talked. All were open about their own weaknesses.
It was the weaknesses that resonated with me the most. These leaders were pretty hard on themselves. At times, the group would interrupt the presenter, just to encourage them and remind them how incredible they really were, despite those weaknesses.
I was having a conversation with one of them afterwards.
“It’s funny, we see others strengths, and our own weaknesses filtered through some insecurity.”
They replied with something that stuck with me.
“Totally, though I was surprised at some people’s inability to see their own role in their story, including me.”
Their own role in their story. It is so easy to see others as strong, courageous, determined and successful, while discounting yourself.
We see their strengths, but know our weaknesses.
We see their success, but see our failures.
We hear their words, but hear our inner voice.
Where have you discounted your own role in your story? Where have you focused on your weaknesses, while forgetting the strengths?
You have an important role to play in your story and your life.
If you could only see yourself the way we see you. You’d be surprised at how strong and courageous you really look.
Carl Weber Consulting 