The Leadership Potter's Wheel: Lessons in Transformation from My Mother’s Studio

Day - 🦁 Fearless Friday 

"Clay is shaped into a vessel; yet it is the emptiness within that makes it useful." – Lao Tzu 

Growing up, my childhood was steeped in the rhythm of creation. My mother, now in her 80s, has been a potter for as long as I can remember. Her studio was a haven of spinning wheels, the earthy scent of wet clay, and the hum of the kiln firing late into the night. Even now, she creates weekly, her hands steady and her vision sharp.  She still loves creating and even selling her creations at local craft fairs too!

Recently, while helping her organize her materials, I stumbled upon several bags of clay. It was a humbling reminder that the potential for transformation exists everywhere—even in something as seemingly unremarkable as a lump of clay. 

Reflecting on her artistry, I realize how her approach to pottery mirrors transformational leadership. The lessons I learned in her studio have shaped my philosophy as a leader and my understanding of change. Let me take you through these lessons—and how they apply to the art of leading with vision, resilience, and energy. 

🎨 Lesson 1: Start with Vision, Then Shape with Intention 

My mom could see what a block of clay would become before it ever touched the wheel. "It’s not about forcing it into shape," she’d say, "but helping it become what it’s meant to be." 

As leaders, each individual we encounter and our teams are like clay—filled with potential but needing guidance. Neuroscience shows us that vision activates the brain’s reward pathways, fostering motivation and focus. Sharing a clear and compelling vision aligns everyone’s energy toward a common goal. 

Actionable Tips: 

• Clearly articulate your vision to your team. Use vivid language to help them "see" the future you're working toward. 
• Provide structured yet flexible guidance—give your team room to contribute their creativity. 

🔄 Lesson 2: Balance Pressure with Support 

On the wheel, too much pressure collapses the clay; too little, and it wobbles without form. My mom’s hands would expertly balance these forces, shaping the clay with care. 

In leadership, this translates to managing the tension between challenge and support. According to neuroscience, manageable challenges stimulate growth, while excessive stress triggers the brain’s fear response. Leaders must apply just the right "pressure" to stretch their teams without overwhelming them. 

Actionable Tips: 

• Set stretch goals that push your team to grow but remain achievable. 
• Offer regular feedback to provide direction and reassurance during challenging projects. 
• Monitor team well-being—ensure you’re not spinning the wheel too fast. 

🔥 Lesson 3: The Kiln of Growth Requires Resilience 

After hours of shaping, my mom would place her work in the kiln—a crucible of heat that transformed soft clay into a strong, enduring vessel. Without the kiln, the pottery would crumble under pressure. 

Leadership moments of transformation often feel like the kiln: uncomfortable, intense, and full of uncertainty. Growth in our own lives is the same. It is the heat and pressure we experience that helps shape us and makes us stronger. It is in these moments that we forge the resilience and growth we need to endure and thrive. Neuroscience confirms that pressure, when framed positively, enhances neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and learn. 

Actionable Tips: 

• Create a culture of learning by framing challenges as growth opportunities. 
• Celebrate small wins to build confidence and reinforce resilience. 
• After intense projects, debrief with your team—discuss what went well and what could improve. 

✨ Lesson 4: Keep Creating, No Matter Your Stage of Leadership 

At 80+, my mom is still shaping clay, testing new techniques, and firing her kiln. "There’s always something more to learn," she told me recently. Her words resonate deeply. Great leaders, like great potters, never stop evolving. 

Quantum mechanics teaches us that energy is always in motion, and leadership is no exception. To keep growing, we must continually invest energy into our personal and professional development. 

Actionable Tips: 

• Dedicate time each week to learning—read, listen to podcasts, or seek mentorship. 
• Encourage your team to embrace a growth mindset by modeling it yourself. 
• Periodically revisit your vision and goals, refining them as you grow. 

🤔 Reflection Questions 

As I think about my mother’s pottery and the lessons she’s passed down, I invite you to reflect on your own leadership journey: 

1. What "lumps of clay" in your leadership hold untapped potential? 
2. How do you balance the pressures of challenge and support for your team? 
3. What lessons have shaped your leadership, and how are you passing them on? 

If you found this article valuable, please like, share, or comment to help others discover these insights! And if you know someone who’s capable of more—someone who would benefit from unlocking their full leadership potential—feel free to share this with them as well. 

To a Better You, 

Dr. Eric Goodman 

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