How to Step Up
In my last note to young professionals, I talked about the qualities of a leader that make them so magnetizing and influential.
We talked about capability, capacity and generosity. If you missed that post, you can read it here.
We also talked about famous leaders, people you know and admire, who overshadow what day-to-day leadership can be. There are measurable - even heroic - ways to bring leadership to everyday experience. I would argue that it’s our concept of what a leader must be that keeps us from “leading” more regularly.
Here’s a story from my own life.
Several years ago, I found myself at the hospital bedside of a dying college friend who was not going to make it to the end of the week. Two members of our gathered group - 30-year friends at that point - were coordinating his care, as well as the dissemination of this hard news to other connected alumni. Most of us were consumed with the events as they were unfolding in the room, grief stricken and grateful to at least be shoulder to shoulder with him (and each other) during such a difficult time.
Which is when a suggestion was made that no one wanted to hear, much less consider. That it might be time to alert the local funeral home in order to more easily coordinate the logistics required for a service and burial that would happen in a different city, among other things.
Like all “stuff that needs to happen,” this sequence of events - the funeral and all the inviting, organizing and travel that would come with it - would not happen “automatically,” as difficult as they were to contemplate. But no one wanted to live in that future yet.
The friends who had taken responsibility for the care demurred and said it was not quite time and dismissed the idea. He ignored their wishes and made the coordinating calls, understanding practically what it would take to book a body to a plane, and so much more.
Shortly thereafter, our friend passed away. The logistics went smoothly due to the coordination just 24 hours before. The two “in charge” were grateful that someone stepped up to lead that effort, even though they hadn’t supported proactively. They were neither in the physical position nor state of mind to handle such details. The helping friend intuited that - and took action despite it.
Another story showing you can lead regardless of your position (even a coffee shop) click here (but not as sad, I promise) and if you really want to see this idea come to life, watch this short TED Talk that nicely illustrates leadership without authority.
Most importantly, lead from wherever you are. There’s usually an opportunity.
Want to learn more? I’m starting a small group in September, specifically for young professionals with Amy Swift Crosby, that may be right for you - but let’s see. Drop me a note here and tell me about yourself. Acceleration can be right for some but too fast-moving for others. Let’s find out!
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Looking forward to it.
BG
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