Rachel Salzberg
Being a Leader in Our Own Life, or of Others, Is a Rocky, Yet Vibrant Path
When we celebrate those paths, and encourage the people navigating them, we not only enjoy the privilege of watching others grow--we also reinforce our dedication to diversity, independence, and individuality.
I was doing my meditative and reflective beach walk this week and thinking about how as leaders (of a team, group, organization, or in our own lives), we can create a more diverse and inclusive work place, and world. We each have a responsibility to step up, be a leader and change agent, through acceptance and empathy of others. As I contemplated what is happening in the world, I came across this amazing rock formation at low tide. It reminded me that we are all on our unique path, it may be a rocky one, yet there is vibrancy in the journey.
Witnessing a loved one, a peer, a colleague, or someone who we lead, traverse a rocky and slippery path can be immensely difficult to sit back and watch, but it can also be a beautiful journey to watch someone grow, learn, and transform through the experience. This rocky, vibrant path at low tide represents this for me. The events, circumstances, and experiences that shape our lives, creates a diverse set of perspectives to be shared. Each of us is drawn to different paths—and these “slippery, and vibrant rocks” have a profound effect on our personal revolution.
We instinctively want to give advice based our own fears, guide people toward a safer track, and share with them the wisdom we have acquired through experiences. This is very helpful, but only if someone asks for this insight, or feedback.
Just as a lighthouse or channel marker can indicate rocks, it is up to the captain(ness), to make the choice to navigate. As a leader, mentor, teammate, spouse, or friend, you can give a perspective to mark danger, and help to create awareness, but without trying to control the decision. If you feel compelled to intervene when watching another human being make their way slowly, and painfully down a path, here is some guidance of how you can help:
- • Try to empathize with their need to grow autonomously and make their own way.
- • Ask this person if they seek feedback, or aid, and if they desire it, then give it freely.
- • You can tell them about your path or story, or offer advice in a conscious and empathetic way.
- • You can also be a model, be vulnerable as a leader, and share your own story without making it about the other.
- • Help redirect actions if they have a negative and high impact on others, or a business.
Give people the space they need to make their own mistakes, to enjoy their growth and learning, revel in their triumphs, and to discover their own path.
True learning, and growth happens through experience, not just through feedback, lectures, or presentations. The unique perspectives that come from the journey itself then becomes an incredible model for others to show growth and resilience. Each individual must be allowed to have independence on a team or in life, and empowered to make decisions, make mistakes, and then reflect upon the consequences of each choice. Though we may not agree with, or identify with all their choices, we can understand that each person must learn in their own way, and at their own pace. This is true leadership and the events, circumstances, and experiences that shape our lives, creates a diverse set of perspectives to be shared.
Each of us is drawn to different journeys down paths—and these “slippery, and vibrant rocks” have a profound effect on our personal revolution. I am proud of my journey, and the person I am today, as a result of my own rocky path(s,). I am grateful for those who have supported me, versus trying to control me, personally and professionally. This journey of falling, failing personally and professionally, a number of times, then redirecting, and learning and growing, has provided me unique perspectives that I use in coaching, and leading others. It has also enabled me to walk in others shoes with empathy and compassion, without trying to change someone. I love helping people thrive and transform by supporting their journeys.
We are in this together, individually and collectively to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace, and world. If you would like to learn more about how to stay the course of your own rocky path with more confidence and ease, and empower yourself to be a more empathetic leader who allows others to learn from their journey, let’s chat.
Each of us is drawn to different journeys down paths—and these “slippery, and vibrant rocks” have a profound effect on our personal revolution.
I am proud of my journey, and the person I am today, as a result of my own rocky path(s,). I am grateful for those who have supported me, versus trying to control me, personally and professionally. This journey of falling, failing personally and professionally, a number of times, then redirecting, and learning and growing, has provided me unique perspectives that I use in coaching, and leading others. It has also enabled me to walk in other’s shoes with empathy and compassion, without trying to change someone. I love helping people thrive and transform by supporting their journeys.
We are in this together, individually and collectively to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace, and world.
If you would like to learn more about how to stay the course of your own rocky path with more confidence and ease, and empower yourself to be a more empathetic leader who allows others to learn from their journey, let’s chat.
