The longer I live, the more I am convinced that leadership is a trait defined by the ability to initiate and navigate uncomfortable situations in a way that all participants emerge in a better state than that of when they entered said situation.
So many people, myself included, are afraid of confrontation; it induces anxiety, it is commonly portrayed as a best-to-be-avoided proposition, and it rarely seems like the ideal choice in a given scenario.
Yet in a cultural, business, and interpersonal environment where creativity is praised, innovation is among the most valued items in existence, and we are learning to take a “Leaders lead, losers make excuses” mantra, more and more often will these tough, awkward situations be required.
I hope that as I grow in maturity, in both my personal and professional lives, I can successfully overcome the fear of confrontation and meet such challenges head-on, with poise, confidence, professionalism, and a good plan. I am sure many are like me, in that we for so long had avoided risks and have had to learn, the hard way, to create “white space” to make room for the capacity to try such risks, and acknowledge that they will not always work out. It is an encouraging inspiration to witness those around me who have no such issue, and tackle problems with boldness and what seems like potential disaster.
Being courageous and direct requires a firm knowledge that the strength of your proposal outweighs the political consequence of presenting it. Put into such words, the concept seems so simple, and obviously advantageous, yet some of us continue to struggle.
For me to remember: There are definitely advantages to being direct in the workplace, in the social place, and in other places as well, I imagine.
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