Sword of Damocles

Leadership, by definition, is fraught with dangers both real and perceived. It often requires bold action, and a keen ability to articulate a vision that others may or may not be inclined to share. The idiom Sword of Damocles- as many enthusiasts of Greek literature know- symbolizes a constant and imminent peril or threat hanging over a person, especially one in a position of power.

In this post we hope to share some ideas on how one might diminish this fear, offering some tools, mental models, enabling a leader to move forward with confidence realizing a vision with as few obstacles, real or imagined, as is possible. And when those truly obstinate hurdles present themselves, we’ll share how to overcome them like an Olympian track and field gold medalist!

Let’s first unpack that which is real and that which is not. Usually this requires making a list. So, with pen in hand, make a list. What concerns you most about whether or not this bold, novel concept may or may not work?

On one side of your paper write: Possibilities and on the other write Obstacles. Some of you familiar with a SWOT analysis may find this analogous, which is fair, but this is much easier and quicker. Moreover this will also enable you to separate true angst-inducing concerns from those that are more subjective, tied into beliefs.

Examples of emotional or psychological obstacles might include:

• There is not enough time in the day.
• I lack the willpower or stamina for the duration of the project.
• I am an amateur, or worse, an imposter.
• The space is crowded, there are too many other businesses or organizations in this space already launching a similar product or capital campaign.
• It is impossible to be heard in today’s marketplace.

Let me assure you regardless of how long your list is, most, if not all, are simply figments of your lack of imagination. In other words, ask yourself, three times, with each example: Is that true? Is that true? Is that true? Byron Kaitie wrote a great book on this subject (‘Question your Thinking’). I employ this pneumatic often when confronted with that which seems impossible. It works. Usually on the third recital of the refrain it occurs to me there is light shining through the armor. (Thank you Leonard Cohen!)

Let us now focus our energy on that which is real, a true obstacle- see examples below. Begin to tease out various ways in which we might persuade ourselves to look at them differently.

Examples of real obstacles might include:

• I lack the financial resources or reserves required to grow.
• I am not a great public speaker.
• The team lacks the capacity to think BIG.
• We can not afford to compete with the behemoths in this space.
• It would require a complete re-assembling of our company or organization.

Now that we have separated the wheat from the chaff, meaning you have identified the real challenges versus the emotional concerns, let’s think about how to think about each of those on your list, let’s pole vault those temporary hurdles!

Not enough financial reserves:

• Have you exhausted your banking relationship?
• Have you circled back to your most ardent fans, investors?
• Can you quickly create a crowdfunding campaign?
• Can you sell advance orders?

IOW: gather your team for a two hour brainstorming session to determine best next step(s). You will be surprised to learn there are far more better ideas than I’ve listed. You’ve got associates that once invited into the conversation will delight in being part of the solution.

Next hurdle to jump: I’m not a good public speaker.
Guess what few are. The difference between poor, good and great is remarkably small. The key ingredient: Preparation! As football legend Guy Lombardi once famously quipped, “practice does not make perfect, perfect practice does”. Write your speech out, days in advance, weeks if you can, and ask your colleagues, spouse, children- even your dog!- to listen. I guarantee by the 4-5th sharing it will be well on its way to great!

I think by now you’re picking up what I’m laying down. Use your environment as witnesses and prepare in advance, in the middle and … after the presentation, too!

That sword we mentioned at the top of this post is nothing more than a butter knife-use it to spread the good news: You are both confident and competent, you only need to think outside the square, and prepare. Let us at Trident True show you how!

Pro-tip: there is a great organization called ‘Toastmasters International’ convening monthly in most major cities, and towns. It’s a meetup for emerging leaders seeking to level up your public speaking skills and confidence. Go to one of their meetups. It’ll change your life -and cost you little more than time. Again, consider and use your social environment!