I see you — you fiercely human, complex-adaptive work in progress.

I see you, you leader of self and leader of leaders. I read your messages, I hear you speak, I watch your videos, I observe how you interact with me and others. I am learning from you. I am absorbing your élan vital.
(élan vital: the vital force or impulse of life; a creative principle held by Bergson to be immanent in all organisms and responsible for evolution).

SHOWING UP:

I see you showing up with vision, values, purpose, commitment, faith, and confidence that we will figure out this next challenge (despite the certitude of uncertainty). That gives me the confidence and energy to figure this out too…de-veiling the once invisible, renewable sources of intentionality within me and all around me.

GROWING UP:

I see you growing up, transforming and shifting your doubts-failures-imperfections into experimental lessons of humble curiosity, learning and determination (despite the pressure to defend/pretend). I see you reckoning with your inner critic, maturing in your self-reflection. That motivates me to pursue mastery, practice, learn and grow with great determination & self-compassion— I am an innovation project too.

SHARING:

I see you trusting leaders at all levels, sharing the lead — exemplifying both teamwork and followership (despite the habit of heroics), so we can each renew/recover and be more ready to lead the long game. That reminds me to trust others even more and trust others first, in order to strengthen the quality of my own mental fitness and stamina; I am learning that to lead, I must always be an exemplar teammate; I lead teams = I am a team member of those teams too.

DESIGNING:

I see you staying focused on the things that matter most, designing as best you can, as things evolve (despite the complexity). I see you navigating difficult, deliberate tradeoffs with autonomy, grace, honesty & forgiveness. That energizes me to choose how I align my attention and time to my own priorities; I am taking full responsibility for my life’s design too.

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