Love The View

Years ago, we were introduced to the phrase "a pebble in your shoe” as being a catalyst for change. The concept was explored in the context of continuous improvement related to operations, however, we've since recognized that it connects so many aspects of our personal and professional lives. Because it is so small—initially immaterial—we tolerate, ignore or even push past small irritants until they accumulate or there is a tipping point to seek relief.

During a recent family bucket-list trip to South America, I had the good fortune of trekking along significant Inca trails and ascending on some historic sites. This euphemism became real and illuminating in so many ways.

Following a rainstorm, we hiked and climbed, mindfully considering my clumsy toes. With each step, I walked with purpose, knowing my family was several paces ahead and the trail was slippery.  My eyes stayed fixated on ensuring the next step was grounded, so that, bit by bit, I could narrow the gap. Secure as I paused, I took a moment instinctively to look up and recognized that my purposeful steps were obscuring me from focusing on the larger view — right above and ahead were the magnificent Andes mountains. Covering the skyscape, I nearly missed the splendor while focused on my footing.  

Ironically, as I took a moment to catch my breath, I realized I collected several small stones in my boot. I called our group together and snagged a quick respite so everyone could benefit from the landscape. Releasing the temporary discomfort, I re-energized and started back on the path with renewed focus.

I share this personal experience because frequently, as we evaluate our business relationships and our personal ambitions, we toss aside or minimize small things that create discomfort, until they are considered significant enough, or the timing is “just right.” Unfortunately, that can lead to missed opportunities.  It is exactly in these moments that we can make subtle changes, take necessary breaks, correct rather than tolerate or communicate with others to bring about improvement. When we choose to simply endure, we miss the larger mission to remedy the root cause and change our trajectory.

When I have the opportunity to coach and mentor individuals, as well as offer perspective to industry friends, I'm struck by the things that they allow to perpetuate.  The way that we are treated, the environment where we operate, the leadership approach, the guidance given, the tools provided, the support incorporated… these all sum up to what it feels like in a business environment. How we intentionally behave or unintentionally treat one another is a key part of culture.

While I am a true proponent of planting roots and growing a career, it’s important to determine if there is an opportunity to use your input to bring about improvement and encouragement to create impact. Perhaps for yourself, and often when speaking with candidates, we hear that many are seeking growth, which can look like many things.  Frequently, it is the code word for change; change in responsibilities, change in workplace dynamics, change in their future potential.  

Doing what scares you or what seems unnatural can be terrifying, but along with the theme of bringing on purposeful change, we sometimes need to explore outside our comfort zone in order to determine if something remarkable exists.  Suffering without action could mean missing out on a great path for satisfaction.

During this trip, I had the chance to go below sea level, riding a Jeep wildly through the desert. It was an exhilarating, terrifying and one-of-a-kind experience.

• How do we tell ourselves to be courageous and entertain unexpected challenges if we always play it safe and stay in our professional box?

• Where might there be opportunities to raise your hand and participate? To learn something new through hands-on skill building, via a podcast or books, to try out a new language and/or role-play to take on a new dialogue?

• Are there times that we question if behaviors or actions align with our values?

Staying on the straight and narrow certainly gives a sense of comfort and reinforces that if we have the same inputs, we likely will yield the same outputs.  However, what if we dream of something more meaningful and impactful?

It would be unwise to expect that doing the exact same thing is going to offer a new result. With that in mind, I suggest the following as a pathway to challenging your beliefs and your potential:

1. Identify accountability partners or advocates who are happily invested in helping you to explore beyond what you know today. Have them help you crystallize what may be a bigger dream for your future.

2. Investigate opportunities to use technology, tools, data and educational resources to expand your current understanding and challenge you.

3. Get into the habit of daring yourself to do uncomfortable things regularly. Eat something unusual. Try a new exercise. Switch up your weekend routine.

4. Create a visual for where you are looking to go. Some ideas may include: create a vision board, identify a resonating quote to display, use a positive password as a regular reminder, or select a coveted reward when milestones are achieved.

5. Incremental change takes time and patience. Sometimes we go backwards before we have the opportunity to move forward.

Personal challenge questions to loosen the pebble in your penny-loafer, sneaker or stiletto:

• What have you boldly decided to achieve that has yet to be realized?

• Are there others who have gone through these uncharted waters before that could lend a hand?

• Have you yielded a sense of complacency that is leaving you less than satisfied?

• What small issues surround you, which could be reasonably remedied before losing hope or abandoning patience?

Reflecting on the metaphor, we all have the opportunity to make the step-by-step climb as remarkable as possible by taking the necessary break to communicate, practicing self-care, and remembering to look to the horizon for the stunning view that occurs along the path.  

Written by Jennifer Trakhtenberg