Two Seductions that Stunt Growth
Talent provides advantage, but growth multiplies possibility.
You’re a runt when you squander growth opportunities. People might think you’re cute but neglecting growth insults talent.
You are responsible for your development. No one grows for you.
Two seductions that stunt growth.
#1. Expecting others to help you grow.
Growth always includes others, a boss, teacher, coach, or mentor for example, but don’t expect others to help you grow. Your growth is your responsibility.
Others help, but no one grows for you.
It’s tempting to blame others for holding you back, a lousy boss for example. Others impact your trajectory, but you control the rudder.
A lousy boss is a source of opportunity for a person committed to maximize their potential. Stagnation is your choice.
A lousy boss fuels growth when you become the boss you wish you had.
#2. Misunderstanding the growth process.
Growth is often shy.
Personal growth is like growing a garden. One day the seed breaks through; but change was happening all the time. You didn’t see it.
You notice change after it happens, not while it happens.
Others often notice your growth before you.
Explosive development is often followed by a season of quiet. The time after explosive growth might feel depressing. Sometimes you drift toward old habits.
The process of maximizing your talent is like a teetertotter. Sometimes you launch upward. Often you ratchet upward while you go up and down.
Four growth tips:
- Learn enough to teach others.
- Lean into challenge.
- Lower your expectations. Perfectionists fear falling short.
- Leverage the dark side. Adversity, disappointment, and frustration are growth opportunities.
You’re always less than you will be when you’re learning and growing.
Are you a growth leader? The seven beliefs and behaviors that growth leaders share
One of the many things I appreciate about your words – you don’t overly worry about making someone uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable makes us want to move – thank you for that.
Thanks Jo Ann. I like to write with enough clarity that people can make up their mind about message. Some people communicate to obscure what they really think. Of course, sometimes when I go back and read what I’ve wrote last year, I don’t agree with myself. Cheers!
Boss’s are an interesting perspective. There is a difference, an important one, between a “bad” boss and ones that are purposefully mean and vindictive. They both test your soul, but the latter can inflict serious damage that may not be apparent for years. Abusive relationships, and that’s what we are talking about, are still just that. Coming through those fires can provide an opportunity for leaders to practice truly valuing the people they work with and hopefully not sour ones spirit. Difficult choices will always be difficult. Choosing to care for those in our charge and those around us in the places where we spend over half our waking hours each week provides both the reward for the choice and growth for the business.
Thanks Frank. Wonderful insights. It seems that caring for people is a good start for all of us.
Dan–your post reminded me of a couple of points related to growth and learning.
1. “The less versatile you are, the better you have to be at what you do well.” -Bill Belichick
2. As you become an expert at what you do, the improvement opportunities become smaller and smaller.
Great points Paul. He Mingus not be the sweetest personality, but I’m a fan of Belichick.
I’m always impressed with people who are already good and want to get better.
Glad you jumped in.
Great Post.
Leverage the dark side.
Others may be actively seeking to limit your growth while most do not have your growth on their radar. Finding someone who is truly interested in helping you grow is like finding treasure.