No guts, no glory

“I can’t, I can’t, I can’t; it’s too high up!”, said the young soldier sitting a top of the obstacle. “Yes, you can!” Someone from below hollered. Frozen in fear, it appeared the soldier was not going to move. At just that moment, an officer scurried up the obstacle to join the young soldier with glazed eyes, mentally blocked by fear, and whose body was locked into a stiffened, immovable position. The officer carefully guided the conversation that took the soldier’s mind off “Me, in panic mode” to “We, in performance mode.” He said, “I am here with you, and we can do this together.” Slowly, the soldier began loosening up, and agreed that they could jump together. In an instance, the young soldier jumped with the officer, and off to the races the soldier went. He had gotten beyond himself and ended being a primary player that ultimately won the event for their squad. What really made the difference? It was an authentic leader who saw the potential in his soldier and was willing to do what was necessary to tap into that potential, even if it meant climbing an obstacle and jumping to do so. This leader dared greatly, and his team reaped the rewards.

This story reminds me of the John Maxwell quote, “Whether you think you can or you can’t – you’re right.” Can you relate to it? Perhaps it’s a friend, family member or colleague on your mind. The greater question: are you willing to take the leap?

Authenticity refines potential. What’s yours?