“KICKED OUT OF THE NEST”

I use this phrase a lot, usually referring to the end of my “corporate phase,” and it was an awakening that plays a huge role in guiding C-Suite leaders as well as those wanting a seat at the table.

On a deeper level, it harkens back to my younger years, and a purposeful journey to move past a State of Chaos at home and achieve Peace of Mind as a person and a professional.

This is something I accomplished through a great deal of reflective work.

So what does this all mean for you?

I see the C-Suite leader staring out a window or going through an exhaustive workout hoping to gain clarity on the other side. They're feeling uneasiness in navigating unchartered waters and the playbook is not working. This helpless feeling I've seen in them as well as myself; a crossroad for what to do next.

I'm not saying quite your job, but it's a beautiful gift to realize that you might need a listening partner, trusted colleague or an objective voice to shine a light on your gifts and purpose to realize again the leader you are and meant to be.

So what might hold them back; many things. The what and why does not always matter, but it's about becoming a highly aware leader that something has to change or change will happen to you.

A leader I care a lot about has been in a leadership role forever, but in an environment that no longer serves them. I see their energy and zest for life, but a bit of that is dying everyday. I wish them joy in fulfilling their potential and having a lasting impact on those they engage with. Unfortunately, they might get "kicked out of the nest" in order to learn how to fly.

Can you learn to fly without getting kicked out of the next? Sure you can. You just have to learn a few new skills and practice:

• Find your voice and what you stand for and project it through out your network
• Network, network, network so it's there when you need it. Nothing worse than building a network as your being kicked out of the nest.
• Realize your value; not what you've always done, but what gifts do you have and bring them forward into the future.

This is what leaders do over and over again as a daily, weekly, yearly practice and I'm wondering if this could be the missing piece that prevents you from "flying out of the nest" vs being "kicked out of the nest".

If this is you, I'd love to talk to you so you can learn what I have learned. I am flying high in the sky right now and it's a bit scary but also liberating.

Until then, realize that you can lift yourself up, shine a light on your gifts and be the leader you were meant to be... or be kicked out of the nest and mend your wounds. The choice is yours... you decide.

Be well-Deb