The idea that leadership is for some and not others baffles me. Certain people are more natural people leaders, yet anyone can be trained and coached to do it. Still, some are best as thought or technical leaders rather than people leaders. However, unequivocally, we are all leaders. We each lead one wild and precious life.
A leader without a north star is a leader lost at sea. A leader without a code to live by twists in the wind.
The Code
I was recently reacquainted with this idea and learned of an incredibly straightforward model for developing such a code. World-champion surfer Shaun Tomson shared it in his book, The Code: The Power of "I Will." His work has inspired millions to pen one dozen “I will” statements about how they will live their lives. In a world where nothing is fixed, all is fleeting and truth appears arguable, taking a stand for what you will and inherently will not do can be a powerful reminder and worthwhile exercise.
Inspired by Tomson’s surfer-themed code, below is mine.
A Dancer’s Code
I will keep my heart open even as my feet grow callused
I will discern when to lead and when to follow
I will get back up when I fall
I will remember life is about practice, not performance
I will show up 100% even if I am only dancing for myself
I will listen, learn and love
I will stretch myself
I will live in wonder for what lies just beyond my finger tips
I will play to my strengths and practice my weaknesses
I will seek to captivate and inspire…to move you and get you on your feet
I will appreciate the tempo and remember to spot
I will seek and give grace
Will vs. Want
This exercise reminds me of one we did for our eighth-grade yearbook. We had to complete the phrase “I want to be….” I revisited this statement in 2020 and updated my answer. Now, as I ponder the distinctions between “I want” and “I will,” the maturity difference, degree of commitment and orientation to action are notable. “I will” stands over “I want” as it shepherds, shields and possibly shoves it forward.
Greatest Strength Exercise
One exercise that I enjoy sharing with leaders as they consider similar personal leadership questions is to ask them to identify the moment that they felt their strongest, both personally and professionally. I ask them to crystalize those moments in their minds shifting them from moving memories to static, palpable polaroids. Then, the leaders identify why they chose those moments over all others by answering these prompts:
What characteristics did you exhibit in your moments of greatest strength?
How similar or different are the characteristics in the personal and professional examples?
How can you use those characteristics more often?
Strength Case Study
While not surprising, my moment of personal strength was dancing in a short tutu on pointe for the first time. Nine months of practice for three minutes under the lights. One chance in front of a full theater. Every angle placed and muscle and joint aligned. No where to hide, no safety net. Balancing on roughly four-square inches. Dancing with joyful and fearless abandon.
Professionally, my strongest moment was traveling to facilitate a leadership course where I was comfortable enough with the content, the near strangers and myself to allow myself to get choked up telling a story I had told many times before. It was the story of a coach that shaped my life even though I never personally met her. Check out the story of Cathy Rush and you will understand why every Might Mac in the last 50 years owes a piece of our success to her.
Reflecting on the characteristics found in these two moments showed me that despite my type-A desire to be polished and precise, leaning into vulnerability and joy yield better outcomes. Practice creates space for real-time artistry, where I can melt into the moment and just be. This blend of skill and presence are of better service to my “audience” than either on their own. The balance is a beautiful dance.
To the Point(e)
Who do you want to be?
How will you do it?
Which of your past strengths can inspire your future as a leader?
Image sources:
Comments