Synchronicity speaks of insight for new leadership residing not in the other, the guru, or anyone outside, but rather insight as accessible to everyone.
Letters from Readers (Synchronicity, 2011)
In 2013, I published my first article for the Cutter Business Technology Journal. And as is customary for all authors, I had an opportunity to write a follow-up email to share feedback I was receiving from readers.
The title of the email I sent was The Path to Leadership. In the email, I shared how hesitant I was about submitting my article for publication. I literally held my breath and closed my eyes when I hit send.
The thesis of the article was completely contrary to the prevailing best practices and wisdom at the time ⏤ and even today for that matter. So I never expected it would be published.
But to my great surprise, it was published!
Then after the excitement wore off, I became a bit anxious. Who would hire or work with me when I’m suggesting that almost everybody is focused on the wrong things!
But then, many leading experts (including those who were also published in the same journal edition) started telling me that my observations and perspectives were right on target.
What a relief it was to receive that feedback!
. . .
It was a challenging time for me. Suddenly, I had found the courage and voice to speak out about what I thought and how I see the world. And, I could see that this was changing how people were interacting with me.
Some people didn’t know how to respond to the new me that was publishing articles that were getting attention, so they didn’t say anything. But many others suddenly began seeking me out as an expert on organizational and personal change.
People were now telling me that I was a leader. That was a real shock for me. I was not comfortable with that label at all at first. A leader to me was the CEO or an executive of a big, successful company, the author of a NY Times bestselling book, and so on. People like Lee Iacocca, Tony Robbins, W. Edwards Deming, are just a few names that come to mind.
What I was just beginning to understand back then was that I was on an inner path to leadership. Set in motion by a simple yet powerful intention to fix what I saw was broken
This past week, as I continued to update my presentation with insights from my re-reading of Synchronicity by Joesph Jaworski, I came across this quote submitted by a reader:
Synchronicity speaks of insight for new leadership residing not in the other, the guru, or anyone outside, but rather insight as accessible to everyone through newly honed sensibilities of looking and listening within and to Life as it moves all around.
⏤ Letters from Readers (Synchronicity, 2011)
That’s exactly it in my opinion and experience. And, I believe it’s why so many people on the inner leader journey find Synchronicity so captivating.
In the Cutter article I mentioned above, The CMMI Agile Conversation is a Dead End, I raised the notion of evolutionary self-leadership. This was the idea that was energizing people the most who were getting in touch with me.
It’s my belief that anyone can be a leader at any level at any time and start to bring about change wherever they are. This has been my journey and one that I know that any person who wants to make a difference can take to impact their circumstances.
Continuous improvement and problem-solving aren’t just a job for experts; everyone can be involved and lead. Anyone can take a stand.
When they do, they will inspire others and create more leaders and create the change we are seeking.
And in my experience, the change happens almost effortlessly, right before your eyes.
As aways, to your great work life & success!
Bill Fox
