Steady as she goes makes sense for the short-sighted. But, exponential impact always requires transformation.
Powerful service flows from personal growth.
Lack of personal growth limits potential and impact.
Pivotal growth:
#1. Arrives unexpectedly. The most important moments on the journey surprise most of us. They often sneak up behind you or come in from the side.
#2. Involves others. Circumstances and events impact your journey, but the the thing that most changes you is people.
- Someone will see strengths in you that you don’t see.
- Someone will call you to take on new responsibilities.
- Someone will confront or challenge you. They may not have your best interests in mind.
- Someone will speak hard truths about your attitudes or behaviors.
- Someone will challenge your assumptions.
#3. Feels awkward. Pivotal moments always feel dangerous. If it’s not awkward, it’s not pivotal.
#4. Includes self-reflection and shifts in perspective.
#5. Demands personal response.
- Choose to agree with someone else’s assessment.
- Cling to security or press into your future.
- Realize that no decision is a decision.
#6. Requires change. More of the same results in more of the same. Growth requires you to let go of the known in order to grasp the unknown.
#7. Results in enhanced impact. Growth-moments are first steps toward service that calls you to step outside yourself. Your growth is for others.
Growth is outward focused and forward-facing.
Take control of your growth:
Go to a leader and ask…
- What do you see in me?
- What do you believe I could do that I’m currently missing?
- Who could I become?
- Where am I wasting effort?
- What danger signs do you see on my path?
Create growth moments for others:
Stage #2 of the “7 Stages of Pivotal Growth” is where you become a catalyst for others.
What do pivotal growth moments look like on your leadership journey?
How might you ignite growth in someone else?