Are You Playing Big?

As we head into a new year, I am thinking about personal power and agency. I've recently been talking to two senior leaders who shared examples of times they felt intimidated into making decisions they did not agree with. They felt pressured to play small and acquiesce in difficult situations. ⛈️ 

➡️ Most of us will experience stressful situations where others will use bullying tactics, threats and peer pressure to convince us that we don't have options, that we need to stay quiet, and that our voice is not as important as others.

➡️ Although these fears can feel true in the moment, we often catastrophize the possible negative consequences of taking a stand or sharing our perspective. 

➡️ Our power is inherent, and we have earned a seat at the table. We can exercise that personal power in small and large ways to make a difference. Of course, we should always weigh the consequences, but too often we choose to "play small" even when we don't really need to.

➡️ When we let others convince us that we have to play smaller, stay silent, and go along, we lose the opportunity to use our agency, voice, and dissenting opinions to influence decisions and take actions that can greatly affect the outcomes and the impact on others.

Here are some actions to take in these circumstances:

💡 Refrain from harshly judging yourself. Our "inner critic" can be ruthless when we are in difficult situations. Don't add to the stress by berating yourself. 

💡 Consider what actions you can take that can make a difference and choose one you can live with. Neglecting to act is a decision you may regret.

💡 Talk to a trusted friend or colleague and consider the bigger picture. Three years from now, what will you think about this situation? 

💡 Consider your values. What action is would most embody the leader you want to be?

💡 Question your motives: Are you acquiescing to make people happy, avoid conflict, or evade an inevitable conversation? 

You have more power, agency, and influence than you could possibly imagine. 🔥 

Even if you are the only dissenting voice in the room, remember that others are watching you and learning from you, and many who feel unwilling or unable to take action agree with you. 🌟 

It can be tough to take action to push for the right decision in the face of opposition, and to promote solutions that are harder, more expensive, or involve more people than "easier" solutions that may ignore hard truths.

But in the end, you fulfill your purpose best by playing big, even if your actions or opinions are unpopular with those around you. 🎯 

📌 So, instead of asking yourself, "What could go wrong?" Ask yourself, "What if this were up to me, and I knew I could not fail?" 

📌 This question encourages you to work from your values, vision, and imagination, enabling you to act as a change agent in creative ways. 

Here's to a year full of bold action and playing big! 🎉 🎉 🎉