Replying to Helen S. 02/08/2023 - 17:42
Thank you for sharing this Helen!
I love the pebble in your shoe concept:
“It is always wise to remove the pebble before it becomes a bigger issue. If we don’t stop to remove the pebble, left unresolved, it will likely create an open wound which can become infected and quickly spread to other parts of the body. Small irritations, left unaddressed, become bigger problems.
The “pebble in your shoe” metaphor can also be applied to the teams we lead, the customers we serve, and the families we love. It is true in our personal relationships and professional lives. It is also an important leadership concept.
As leaders, if we’re challenging our teams to climb metaphorical mountains higher, faster, and steeper than ever before, then we should be doing everything we can to remove the metaphorical pebbles from their shoes. We should continuously be looking for ways to remove any obstacles and irritations inherent in the work they do. Asking ourselves, “How can I make it easier for the team to climb the mountains ahead? What tools do they need? How are they doing? What is causing them aggravation and slowing them down? What new skills do they need?”
What is the pebble in your shoe?
I think mine is the constant worry that I will be ‘found out’. There is no way that I am good enough to be doing the job that I am doing. Right? Even when my specialist diploma came through…. Must be a mistake! I am working on that every day!
Tell me about your pebble?
Scott 🙂
