"I have never looked at it like that" the boss said. "It seems so obvious now but before it was hidden right in front of my face." Maggie was amazed, she didn't believe that she could teach the boss something. "Let me hear more about this Maggie. I think you have a great idea." It felt good to be recognized for having some insight and real value. The boss was not easy to please but he was genuinely interested in Maggie's idea.
It seems that some of our greatest realities are hidden not by obstruction but by our focus. We often overlook skills and capabilities that seem too obvious. We tell ourselves 'Everyone knows that' or 'That's common knowledge.' Honestly, we are just sometimes plain afraid to pick up the role of expert. No one wants to hear a sarcastic call of 'Thanks captain obvious.' I call this death by diplomacy. We never want to step on a toe, disagree or standout. It kills organizations and the human spirit.
Leadership requires that we get uncomfortable from time to time. Be willing to give up the accolades for the occasional insult. In the end, no one remembers the insults or those that hand them out freely. What we do remember are leaders who blaze new paths, discover and create. You may trip up, fall down, or even break a nose (figuratively). What's important is that you stand up, every time, and keep moving. That's what leaders do.
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