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What Is Your Specialty?

One of my favorite lines from the Star Wars movies is found in the attached clip. Chancellor Palpatine cautions Obi Wan and Anikin, when they encounter Count Dooku to go and seek help. He tells them that they are no match for Count Dooku because he is a Sith Lord. Upon hearing this Obi Wan looks at him and says with extreme certainty, "Sith Lords are our specialty."

I love the confidence in Obi Wan's face. His belief in his ability is born out of his understanding that he is a Jedi Knight. He knows who he is. There is no doubt residing within him. He is up for this challenge. All of his previous experiences prepared him for this moment and he knows that his purpose is to rid the world of the dark side of the force. 

Shining The Light of Leadership 

Belief in oneself is a crucial leader behavior. It is this quality that feeds integrity. When we live in certainty we are committed to our vision, mission and values. This commitment makes it easy to stand up for what we believe. Because we know who we are, we trust what we think and feel. We are not worried about what the latest polls say, (i.e. Be careful, he is a Sith Lord). Instead we are willing to shine the light of our vision upon those we lead. We know that it is our responsibility to make our vision known so we are not looking for somebody else to do it for us.

Some say that confidence is a akin to arrogance. I don't buy that. In fact, I think arrogance is an antonym of self-confidence. I believe that it is a tool that those lacking self-confidence use to obtain and maintain power over others. Arrogance is constantly seeking power.

Those who truly believe in themselves never have to seek power, it is conferred upon them. They are aligned with a belief that their talents and strengths were given to them so that they could help make the world a better place. They are not worried about exercising dominion, they are worried about serving others.

This is the light that a leader must shine. It illuminates the community in such a way, that it allows others the freedom to contribute their talents and strengths. It fosters a collaborative environment better than any other leader behavior. When I operate from a position of certainty, I am not concerned about the constant uncertainty that is all around. I know that I will find a way to do what is expedient to help those around me grow.

What Is Your Specialty?

I love meeting new people. Whether I meet you in person, or in one of the many social communities to which I belong, you can count on me asking, "what is your specialty?" I love to hear the responses to this question. Many are not prepared for it and they struggle a bit to answer it. They are not sure if it is OK to shine brightly. They have done it before, only to be beaten down by the comment, "I am good at that too", or "wow, I never would have guessed that." or even worse, "wow, you sure think a lot of yourself, (said in a condescending way), don't you?"

When we give others our permission to be great, they rise to new levels. It is a fact, that once a person declares in a positive way, who they are and what they stand for, they become more committed to that vision of themselves. The more we can get them to state who they really are, the more capable they are of living to that standard. I never understand why we would want anything less.

I am a firm believer that my certainty about who I am, is directly correlated to my ability to help other people become who they really are. I am constantly amazed to receive the question, "what do you do?" I don't really know how to answer that question. I feel more comfortable answering this question, "who are you?" My answer to that question is much more sure and reliable – "I am Andrew Thorn, my specialty is seeing the strengths in others and inspiring them to live up to their potential." 

What is your specialty?

Do you allow yourself to shine the light of certainty on those you lead?

Are you leading in such a way that allows others the chance to shine brightly too?

Consider these questions from a positive point of view. Rid yourself of all negative feelings and just allow your self to see what it would be like to lead from a position of certainty. The better you is waiting for you at the other side of this personal reflection. I can't wait to see you shine! I double dog dare you to do it.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Tags: Andrew Thorn, Authenticity, Carpe Articulum, Heart Might Mind & Strength, Leader Behaviors, Life Leadership Harmony, Personal Best Leadership, Powerful Questions, Shining Brightly, The Authentic Me, The Telios Experience

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 at 3:28 pm and is filed under Authentic Behavior, Leadership, Personal Best Leadership. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.