It Takes Others To See Yourself Clearly

What You'll Learn:

• Why personal transformation often requires external perspective 

• How identity shifts when others recognize our capabilities 

• The inspirational story of Jermaine Davis and the Chicago pencil seller 

• Leaders' responsibility to be catalysts for others' potential 

• The importance of remaining coachable while developing others 

• Questions to identify who has helped you see greater possibilities 

• How to pay forward the gift of recognizing others' potential 

• Ways to cultivate relationships with people who challenge your growth

The Person Who Saw More in You Than You Saw in Yourself

"The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own." - Benjamin Disraeli

During a recent CEO forum discussing our book "The Great Engagement," Dave Gehm made a profound observation that stopped everyone in their tracks. As leaders shared their stories of discovering their purpose and potential, a pattern emerged - in every single case, it was someone else who first recognized their capabilities. A spouse who believed in them. A professor who challenged them. A boss who gave them a shot at something bigger.

Our partner Jermaine Davis illustrates this beautifully with a story from Chicago. A man sold pencils and pens in the subway, where commuters would routinely drop coins in his cup without taking any items - treating him as someone needing charity rather than running a business. One day, a businessman put in a dollar bill and deliberately took a pencil, telling him "I'm a businessman, and you're a businessman also."

Years later, they crossed paths at an upscale event. The former pencil seller, now well-dressed and successful, approached the businessman and said, "Until you told me I was a businessman, I thought I was just hustling pencils and pens in a Chicago subway." Those few words had shifted his entire self-image and identity.

As leaders, we now have the profound opportunity - and responsibility - to be that catalyst for others. To see and nurture potential that they may not yet recognize in themselves.

Whether it's:

• The quiet team member who could be an exceptional facilitator

• The detail-oriented analyst who has untapped strategic abilities

• The technical expert who possesses natural leadership qualities

But here's the key: We must also remain coachable ourselves. Even as accomplished leaders, we need people in our lives who can spot our blind spots and expand our vision of what's possible. The journey of growth never ends.

Consider:

• Who helped you see greater possibilities in yourself?

• How are you paying that forward by developing others?

• Who challenges you to keep growing today?

True transformational leadership starts with helping people discover and unlock their full potential. Sometimes all it takes is a few words of genuine belief to help someone rewrite their story.

The Choice is Yours: Will you be the one who helps others see more in themselves than they currently see? Will you remain open to others doing the same for you?

…and here is a truly inspiring example of passionate leadership the Laura Tyler shared with us:  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=556254907320740

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