Unlocking Leadership: Risking an Encounter
Trees on a mountain seen through the fog
There are numerous risks that have shaped my perspective on leadership and influenced who I am today. Every day, we encounter both small and big risks, often without realizing it. Over the course of my career, I have encountered people who didn’t want to share their deep grief over the loss of a loved one. I have encountered those who didn’t want to reveal their failing health or struggle with mental illness. Despite their struggles, they put on a brave face and replied, “I am fine” when asked, even though they were not, because they feared being judged and limited by others. It is great to see people risk more with their teams and find a supportive network that cares about their well-being.
Seemingly small risks can have a significant impact on our journey. I have witnessed many take the risk to challenge the notion that their worth is determined solely by others’ opinions; they’ve defied the low expectations that are symptoms of their background or appearance and have set the stage for others who come from their rural and urban neighborhoods to also risk belief.
I have witnessed and encountered scenarios where people risk the belief that they can pursue education, start a business, land a job, or climb the corporate ladder without conforming to societal standards and typical credentials. I have witnessed people risk social isolation to reshape these standards, holding the tension between conforming to norms and expressing individuality.
Several of the most transformative risks I’ve taken involved leaving successful roles to venture into unfamiliar territories. Pushing beyond my comfort zone and stepping to the edge of my competence was fueled by nothing more than trust and faith. Through experience, I have learned what it takes to consistently achieve over time. Even if I were to fall short of goals, which I do often, I am no longer intimidated by failure. Just like you, I get up, risking even more to try again.
Regardless of the nature of the risks we take, embracing them is crucial for our well-being—mentally, physically, and spiritually. Risk-taking is about embracing uncertainty. I don’t have a crystal ball to predict what the new year holds, but I hold onto the message delivered in Isaiah 41:10: “...do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
I believe that 2024 represents a significant opportunity for us. I believe that 2024 is going to be our best year yet. I believe that we are going to risk our mental and physical comfort to achieve higher levels of performance across all domains of our lives. I believe that we are going to stretch faith in ourselves and others and watch God, Who is with us on this journey, do exceedingly above all we could ever expect. I am praying for divine encounters to manifest in our lives guiding us toward purpose, peace, wisdom and profound connection! Let me know either in the comment below or through DM your advice on taking risks or what you are praying for in 2024.
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