Many people in my line of work tend to get a little cynical over time. As I described in The Radical Leap, when I was new to the world of organizational and leadership development an older–and supposedly wiser–guy who had built a sterling rep as an executive coach and corporate change agent gave me the following bit of perspective and advice on my chosen career path:
“No matter what you say or how you say it, no matter if you cajole or threaten, no matter if you provide overwhelming evidence supporting your client’s need to change, they will never, ever listen to you, Steve. You may make good money, but you won’t make a difference. If you’re okay with that, fine; otherwise, find another line of work.”
And this from a “Corporate Change Agent”?
For whatever reason, I (thankfully) chose to dismiss him and his “advice” and follow my heart anyway. Maybe I’ve made a direct difference in people’s lives, maybe I haven’t. I’ll leave that conclusion to others.
What I do know, at the very least, is that I’ve managed to encourage others to make a difference in the lives of the people around them (I’ll give you some evidence of that in my next post), and that, for me, is what makes every day a deeply fulfilling enterprise.
But for now, a question for you:
Has someone older and “wiser” ever given you advice and/or perspective that you summarily disregarded in order to follow the calling of your own heart?
And, if so, what’s the lesson we can all learn from your experience?
And I promise not to summarily disregard your answer.
Instead of going the traditional route, I became a career outdoor guide at age 18. I did it for 20 years.
Through my travels, I met my wife, my best friend, my mentor, and became part of a tribe of people who I consider to be the world’s best humans.
It wouldn’t have been right for everyone. But it was right for me. That’s what you find out when you disregard all the advice and follow your heart.
Instead of going the traditional route, I became a career outdoor guide at age 18. I did it for 20 years.
Through my travels, I met my wife, my best friend, my mentor, and became part of a tribe of people who I consider to be the world’s best humans.
It wouldn’t have been right for everyone. But it was right for me. That’s what you find out when you disregard all the advice and follow your heart.
I was talked out of taking a job.
What can you do, but make the most of the cards at hand and make decisions for yourself next time.
I can say that I have gone out on limbs and made decisions with earnest intent.
No one should ever have that much influence in such a personal decision.
I was talked out of taking a job.
What can you do, but make the most of the cards at hand and make decisions for yourself next time.
I can say that I have gone out on limbs and made decisions with earnest intent.
No one should ever have that much influence in such a personal decision.
I moved from La to Tx. When I made the decision to step out of a 20+ yr. career of critical care nursing to pursue lease / purchase real estate, the cynics came out of the woodwork. I was told I wouldn’t make money for several years, I was getting screwed, It would never work, I would be back, etc.
Lease / purchase real estate didn’t work! I realized it was only the catalyst to cause me to obey God when he said, “Move to Texas!”
Since that move, I became the Singles Director in a powerful church, then resigned. Met my amazing biz partners b/c they worked in small group ministry, which… I taught singles small group. Through this biz I have met Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady & even you!
I now glean information, wisdom & precious insight into what it takes to be a servant leader. You see….I read every book I could get my hands on while in La. I just never had the right vehicle, nor was I surrounded by the right people.
Texas was my Exodus & I am still amazed of what I have attained just by ignoring the cynics & believing it could happen. I have since learned cynics only criticize you b/c they don’t have the guts to do it themselves, but they secretly hope you do, b/c they to will have a chance! They have since told me they are very proud of me & “they knew I could do it!” You knew they would!
To obey is better than to sacrifice. I would have sacrificed more than I dare to imagine had I not obeyed God & moved to the only state in the nation I loathed!
I appreciate you!
g
I moved from La to Tx. When I made the decision to step out of a 20+ yr. career of critical care nursing to pursue lease / purchase real estate, the cynics came out of the woodwork. I was told I wouldn’t make money for several years, I was getting screwed, It would never work, I would be back, etc.
Lease / purchase real estate didn’t work! I realized it was only the catalyst to cause me to obey God when he said, “Move to Texas!”
Since that move, I became the Singles Director in a powerful church, then resigned. Met my amazing biz partners b/c they worked in small group ministry, which… I taught singles small group. Through this biz I have met Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady & even you!
I now glean information, wisdom & precious insight into what it takes to be a servant leader. You see….I read every book I could get my hands on while in La. I just never had the right vehicle, nor was I surrounded by the right people.
Texas was my Exodus & I am still amazed of what I have attained just by ignoring the cynics & believing it could happen. I have since learned cynics only criticize you b/c they don’t have the guts to do it themselves, but they secretly hope you do, b/c they to will have a chance! They have since told me they are very proud of me & “they knew I could do it!” You knew they would!
To obey is better than to sacrifice. I would have sacrificed more than I dare to imagine had I not obeyed God & moved to the only state in the nation I loathed!
I appreciate you!
g
As I was contemplating going to college (in my mid-40s,) countless people told me that Business Management was the way to go. With the position I had at the time, learning more about the many facets of business operations was the path that others thought I should follow.
However, one of our local colleges was beginning a new offering – Leadership. I felt like the forces of the world were pulling and pushing me in that direction. Some scoffed – a degree in leadership?? Hah!
However, what I have found in my leadership studies is my passion. I can truly make a difference in the lives of the people in my org. Helping new leaders develop, helping experienced leaders grow, leading by serving with compassion, inspiring all to greatness also provides motivation, excitement and satisfaction for me, everyday. (And, for all the naysayers – I’ve been promoted twice since starting school!)
And, as someone whom you have definitely encouraged, through your writings, to continue seeing leadership as a way to make a positive difference in the lives of others, thank you.
As I was contemplating going to college (in my mid-40s,) countless people told me that Business Management was the way to go. With the position I had at the time, learning more about the many facets of business operations was the path that others thought I should follow.
However, one of our local colleges was beginning a new offering – Leadership. I felt like the forces of the world were pulling and pushing me in that direction. Some scoffed – a degree in leadership?? Hah!
However, what I have found in my leadership studies is my passion. I can truly make a difference in the lives of the people in my org. Helping new leaders develop, helping experienced leaders grow, leading by serving with compassion, inspiring all to greatness also provides motivation, excitement and satisfaction for me, everyday. (And, for all the naysayers – I’ve been promoted twice since starting school!)
And, as someone whom you have definitely encouraged, through your writings, to continue seeing leadership as a way to make a positive difference in the lives of others, thank you.
I been given the same advice several times in my 20 years as an adviser, consultant, speaker, Steve. I have even given myself this kind of advice a couple of times!
At the end of the day what we do must be a calling otherwise we would soon wilt and the key for me is to take responsibility for my own growth and therefore my help to others is coming from the right intent and what others do or dont do is up to them
I been given the same advice several times in my 20 years as an adviser, consultant, speaker, Steve. I have even given myself this kind of advice a couple of times!
At the end of the day what we do must be a calling otherwise we would soon wilt and the key for me is to take responsibility for my own growth and therefore my help to others is coming from the right intent and what others do or dont do is up to them