In the book Handbook of Leadership Development, the authors stated, “Comfort is the enemy of growth and continued effectiveness.” They go on to quote Ron Heifetz who stated, “Conflict is the stimulus for mobilizing people to learn new ways.” Both of these statements are quite true for anyone who desires to be a leader. Seldom do we grow during times of ease and comfort, but rather our greatest periods of personal and professional growth occur because we have been faced with great challenges that must be overcome. Often the greater the challenge, the greater will be the growth.
I have personally experienced more times that I would have like to. I’ve had many times when, just as I thought things were going the way I wanted them and I was comfortable, circumstances changed and I was ripped from my comfortable nest and flying in a windstorm of challenges. However, with each windstorm, I believe I have become stronger, more determined, intensely focused, and better equipped to lead others. I am a better leader today because of the discomfort of yesterday.
We all seek comfort in one way or another, but as a leader, we have to embrace the fact that the only way to blaze new trails and lead our people to new victories, we must step away from comfort and take on the challenges that the world throws at us. That’s how we grow.
Lead well.