The Truth About Growth Opportunities
Life requires growth. If you aren’t growing, you’re dying.
Growth opportunities show up when:
- New skills are needed.
- Success feels uncertain.
- Situations feel awkward.
Lack and uncertainty are growth opportunities. Pulling back means no growth. Push through. Your dreams require growth.
4 Enemies of Growth:
- Hiding behind authenticity. It feels awkward when you stretch yourself. Just like new shoes feel tight, give your authentic self time to expand.
- Clinging to established practices.
- Pretending to know.
- Fear of screwing up.
Avoiding discomfort is tempting, but it stunts growth.
How to Maximize Growth Opportunities:
Some discomfort isn’t worth it. Avoid discomfort when you don’t intend to change. Don’t stretch relationship building skills if you intend to live a solitary life.
Vision gives value to the struggle. Stretch in ways that fulfill your vision.
- Where do I want to go as a leader?
- Does learning a new skill contribute to reaching your aspirations? For example, how does pressing through uncertainty align with your vision to reach the C-suite?
- How would people in the position you aspire to reach, respond to this situation?
- How might this awkward experience be a steppingstone for your career?
Find a reason to sweat.
Growth opportunities come disguised as untested skills, awkward opportunities, and uncomfortable situations.
Grow with:
The person who gets the most help goes the furthest. Do something that requires help.
Reject the illusion of self-sufficiency when facing discomforting challenges.
Tap into coaches, mentors, and colleagues with experience.
Self-sufficiency is the enemy of great achievement.
Tips for leaders:
- Encourage people to do things they haven’t done before.
- Provide a safety net when people face new challenges. Be available, but don’t rush to help.
What has caused you to grow as a leader?
Still curious:
Cultivating Greatness: Your Personal Growth Manifesto
7 Simple Steps that Accelerate Growth
How to Grow as a Leader
