Alright, let’s get real. Leadership isn’t always a glamorous walk in the park. Sometimes, it’s more like being handed the wheel of a runaway train and told, “Good luck!” You’ve got to buckle up and steer that thing to safety. One of the most eye-opening concepts I’ve come across in my own journey is this idea of “Growth Edges”—those places where you’re uncomfortable, maybe even a little scared, but where the magic of growth happens.
The Power of Discomfort:
Picture this: I’m minding my own business, thinking I’ve got everything under control, when I get the call. The leader of our organization, who had been courageously battling cancer, needed to step down. They asked me to fill in as interim president. Now, I’d done this job before, so I thought, “How hard could it be?” Honey, let me tell you—I was in for a rude awakening.
I walked into a situation that was a hot mess. We had a budget that looked like it had been through the shredder, a board that was barely hanging on by a thread, and personalities clashing like cymbals in a marching band. After that first meeting, I thought, “Mimi, what in the world did you get yourself into?” I was ready to quit, y’all. But then, a little voice in my head (probably Wanda’s) reminded me of something a wise colleague had once said about “Growth Edges”—those rough spots in your life or leadership that need some serious smoothing out.
Identifying Your Growth Edges:
So there I was, staring at this mountain of challenges, feeling like I was in way over my head. But here’s the thing: Growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone. It happens when you’re in the trenches, knee-deep in problems, thinking you might drown. I had to get real with myself and admit that this situation required a different kind of leadership than I had used before. And that’s when I started to see my Growth Edges—those areas where I needed to stretch, learn, and yes, even fail a little, to become the leader this organization needed.
Embracing and Expanding Your Growth Edges:
Now, recognizing your Growth Edges is one thing, but embracing them? That’s where the work begins. I had to swallow my pride and reach out for help. I surrounded myself with some of the best mentors and colleagues, people who could guide me through the rough spots. We didn’t just survive that year—we thrived. It wasn’t always pretty. There were days when I felt like I was patching holes in a sinking ship. But those little steps we took every day to tackle the challenges head-on made all the difference.
By the end of that term, we had pulled off what felt like a miracle. We closed the year with the highest membership numbers in 40 years, and I had built a team that could withstand anything. But let me tell you, it wasn’t just the success that mattered. It was the journey of growth—leaning into those tough moments and coming out stronger on the other side.
How Growth Edges Impact Leadership:
Here’s the thing: Embracing your Growth Edges isn’t just about getting through tough times—it’s about transforming those challenges into opportunities for real leadership development. When you own your Growth Edges, you don’t just lead—you inspire. You show your team that it’s okay to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to grow together. By the end of that year, I wasn’t just a leader—I was a better leader, and my team was stronger because of it.
Putting Growth Edges into Practice:
So, how do you take this concept and use it in your own leadership? Here are a few practical steps:
1. Self-Reflect Regularly: Set aside time each week to reflect on your leadership journey. Ask yourself, “Where do I feel most challenged or uncomfortable?” These are your Growth Edges. Write them down and think about what they’re trying to teach you.
2. Seek Honest Feedback: Growth Edges can be tough to spot on your own. Invite trusted colleagues, mentors, or even your team to give you honest feedback. Ask them, “Where do you see areas in my leadership that could use some smoothing out?” This isn’t about criticism—it’s about getting the insights you need to grow.
3. Take Small, Consistent Actions: Growth doesn’t happen overnight. Identify small, actionable steps you can take to address your Growth Edges. Maybe it’s reading a book on a particular skill, taking a course, or simply asking more questions in meetings. The key is consistency—keep chipping away at those edges.
4. Embrace Discomfort: When you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, don’t shy away. Lean into it. Remind yourself that this is where growth happens. It’s okay to feel uncertain or even a little scared—that’s a sign you’re on the right track.
5. Build a Support System: Surround yourself with people who can help you navigate your Growth Edges. This could be a mentor, a coach, or a peer group. Having a support system will keep you grounded and give you the encouragement you need to keep going.
6. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: As you work on your Growth Edges, remember to celebrate your progress. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about growing and improving. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a victory.
Conclusion:
So, here’s the takeaway: When life hands you a hot mess, don’t run—lean in. Those Growth Edges are where you’ll find your true leadership potential. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. Yes, you’ll feel like throwing in the towel. But trust me, the growth that comes from embracing those rough spots is worth every bit of discomfort. So go on—identify your Growth Edges, surround yourself with the right people, and watch how you transform as a leader. Remember, it’s not just about getting through the storm—it’s about dancing in the rain.