Sometimes leadership is just hard.
There are times when it can feel like you’re swimming in peanut butter. It can feel like no matter what you attempt and regardless of how hard you try, you just can’t make progress.
But there are other times when leadership is just plain fun.
You can feel like you have momentum, as if everything you try produces exponential results.
When that is happening, you are in what I call the Leadership Sweet Spot.
The Leadership Sweet Spot is that wonderful intersection of three compelling dynamics.
An important problem that needs to be solved.
When you’re in that place leadership is quite simply a ball!
Insights and decisions seem to flow effortlessly.
The end of a long day leaves you feeling exhilarated, not exhausted.
People are energized by their interactions with you.
You are driven by a vision, not just a job description.
You see each problem you encounter as an opportunity, not a roadblock.
You are consumed by the cause you serve, not by personal advancement.
“I don’t do this for the money” becomes an authentic mantra.
You’re never fully satisfied; you believe there is always room for improvement.
You are obsessed with goals, not strategies.
You just can’t imagine doing anything else.
If these indicators don’t seem to be true of your present situation you might be operating outside your sweet spot. It might be time to reassess and to make some changes.
But it these indicators ring true for you; if they seem to describe your present leadership journey, it means you’ve found your sweet spot. You’re in a place where you can produce extraordinary results.
I would urge you to revisit this list often and use it to ensure you remain in your sweet spot.
Because that’s the place where your leadership will be the most fruitful.
How can you tell when you’re in your leadership sweet spot?