How Do I Want to Grow?
A wonderful, impossible moment on your connected leadership path comes in the form of the question, “Should I stay or should I go?”
This is a wonderful moment because it affirms growth. External circumstances must change to catch up to you. This may take the form of an expanded role, new area, or next venture.
This is an impossible moment because it’s a forced choice. Staying may imply sacrificing growth. Going may imply sacrificing connection.
This is a stucky moment because it s*cks to be stuck. Let’s move through it.
I propose a better question.* Rather than, “Should I stay or should I go?" try, “How do I want to grow?” Here, you may again encounter a conflict between how you want to grow and how you want to stay connected. The wants and needs of our families and coworkers add layers of complexity.
Interconnection is inherently complex. And, for connected leaders, “interconnected” is part of the answer to the question, “How do I want to grow?” You derive meaning, purpose, and joy from your relationships. You don’t want to uproot. You want both/and** — growth and connection.
If “interconnected” is indeed part of your answer to the question, “How do I want to grow?,” let’s reexamine your forced choice. Consider if, far from being a barrier to growth, connection might be a catalyst for growth. Is there a way that, by rooting in connection, you can thrive? In fact, is there any other way? Interconnected thriving is the truth of nature.
Success Circles are our offering to support your interconnected growth. Circles provide a community of connected leaders, an affinity group based on shared values*** not identity groups, towards collective flourishing.
While the choice of your next career move is yours alone, you don’t have to go it alone. If your choice is to go, consider how you can deepen relationships as you do. This may take the form of asking your current boss to become a mentor, devoting weekends to family time, or investing in a Success Circles connected leadership program.
—
Connect to thrive with Success Circles peer coaching programs and 1-on-1 coaching. Contact us to learn more.
*Asking better questions, or more generative questions, is a fundamental aspect of Becoming Your Own Best Coach (click to learn more).
**For more on both/and thinking, subscribe to Listen to Lead on Spotify for our upcoming interview with Marianne Lewis, co-writer of "Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems"
***Connected leadership tenants include:
Encouraging self and others
Grit towards collective success
Creating an interconnected future