
Clear Confident Leader Weekly Observer, Issue #42
From the Greenbelt of Boise, Idaho, Morning showers
It resists definition yet can be instantly recognized. It comes in many varieties, yet follows certain un-changing laws. It brings rich rewards, yet is not really a goal or a destination but rather a process, a journey. We call this journey mastery, … It’s available to anyone who is willing to get on the path and stay on it. – George Leonard, Mastery
Mastery— the desire to get better and better at something that matters. – Daniel Pink, Drive
Monday I received the debrief of a leadership assessment. It included a self-assessment and combined perspectives from six peers who graciously provided their views. I was eager to see where I am in my leadership development journey, and a little apprehensive too.
I was surprised where I undervalued what I do vs. others’ responses, and where I overvalued what I do. One area for growth and a couple habitual patterns that hold me back stood out.
With all assessments, it is how we interpret them and choose what to do that makes them useful or not. Being open to assessments for my growth helps me more accurately perceive where I am, and choose what I will do.
That doesn’t mean it is always easy. Moving toward mastery in any pursuit is a choice we make. Developing leadership in myself and those around me is a path I’ve chosen to travel.
I find it helps to have complementary practices. Aikido helps me develop my capacity to lead. It provides practice several days a week working with a partner under the leadership of our Sensei (one who has gone before us, and serves as a guide). In training, we discover what works and what doesn’t, and practice again and again to embody what works.
Developing Courageous Authenticity to become a Clear Confident Leader is my focus. I learn through my work with executives and professionals, and am supported by a community of coaches in discovering what works and practice to embody it.
I find the following three questions useful:
- Where in our lives do we care to move toward mastery?
- How do we assess where we are?
- What partners/communities help us learn what works, and practice to embody it?
Let’s make a choice to move toward mastery and create a better future today!