As a leadership and life coach, one of my favorite clients to coach is the one who is trying to discover their passion. They’ve gotten “stuck” and want more from life. A great little Sunday afternoon read is called “The Dream Giver” by Bruce Wilkinson. It is the parable of “Ordinary” who lives in the “Land of Familiar” and one day, he takes the adventure of his lifetime to discover and pursue “his big dream.” As a coach, it is such a thrill to walk with someone on THEIR journey outside their “Land of Familiar” and watch as they begin to not only discover, but also act upon their big dream.
We all get caught up in the routine of living, and I believe it becomes more about the “routine” and less about the “living.” I certainly am guilty of that. I recently (again) watched a great movie called “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” [starring Dustin Hoffman, 2007] and in it is one of the best quotes…Mr. Magorium says to his protégée, Mahoney,
“Your life is an occasion. Rise to it.”
I believe that is the challenge to us all! I truly believe that every person has the opportunity and responsibility to rise to their occasion, but as leaders, it is far more important.
- First and foremost, how can we lead if we have not yet risen to our occasion?
- Second, as a leader, by definition, others are following us and we owe it to them – to their rising – to give them a high standard to follow.
- Third, it is much more difficult to help another rise to their occasion and lead by walking along side them on their journey outside their “Land of Familiar” if you’ve not “fought the bullies” yourself.
I am reminded of a comical quote that is often used… “do as I say, not as I do” …sorry, Leaders, but if you have not already discovered it – that doesn’t often work. They may follow, but it is most certainly out of a sense of obligation and not respect! ...
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