Chris, thanks for your telling your story and how your leadership journey has not been in a straight line, as might be perceived from the outside. However, from the inside out perspective, it has been circuitous and guided by signposts and mentors. Through it all, the only thing for you that has been consistently linear was your desire for music and to lead. A key thing for me listening to your story was that you had the courage to embrace the opportunities that came your way. I believe this is very important to us as leaders.
I agree that our journeys as leaders is not a straight path. Mine has not been, either. In fact when I was young I never would have said I would have wanted to work towards being in the position I am now, in School District Administration. However, I relied on the signposts, much like you did. As I was trying to find my way, opportunities came up. There are some very clear and defining turning points in my family life and career where I had a choice to make that would change the path of my life. I had the courage to embrace the challenge or the new opportunity that was presented. And that courage created new experiences for me that enabled me to put more “tools in my tool box” so that when the next opportunity came, I could embrace that as well. That has lead me to where I am today.
A leader I work under, when she is looking for new hires, says she is looking for people who are willing to take a risk and have the courage to do new things. Aristotle identified courage as being the most important first virtue, because “it makes all of the other virtues possible” (Treasurer, n.d.) Without courage as leaders, we cannot innovate, try new things, launch new products, or make hard decisions. Courage enables us to take the first step.
Treasurer (n.d.) says there are three types of courage:
- TRY Courage: The courage of initiative and action – this is the starting point! It’s taking the first attempt, embracing the new opportunities, being a pioneer.
- TRUST Courage: The courage of confidence in others – letting go and letting others. Having the courage to mentor others and let them take the lead. Taking a risk that they may fail but you are willing to be there to help them out. Much like what Ernie did for you.
- TRY Courage: The courage of voice – being willing to stand up and address difficult issues, and present differing ideas.
Courage was the starting point for you in your journey as you embraced each signpost as they came along. It has also been a factor in my journey as well. Thanks for sharing your story and encouraging us all to be resilient as we continue to grow in our leadership!
References:
Treasurer, B. (n.d.) Courage is the key to great leadership. Entrepreneur’s Organization. Retrieved from: https://www.eonetwork.org/octane-magazine/special-features/courageisthekeytogreatleadership
Vacher, C. (2018, November 30). My leadership story. [web log comment]. Retrieved from https://create.twu.ca/chrisvacher/2018/11/30/my-leadership-story/