Founder & Master Coach of Intrad School of Executive Coaching (ISEC) a pioneering leadership development firm in India.
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David, head of business development, was deep in thought. When he had met Susan a few days ago and mentioned in passing that his sales head, Michael, had a keen interest in moving to the data analytics department, he had not expected to hear back from her almost immediately that there was a vacancy in that section.
David was acutely aware that releasing Michael, who had recently received the Top Salesperson Award, would impact his team’s overall performance. Further, he was actively considering recommending Michael as the first-in-line successor for his role. On the other hand, he knew that with Michael’s background in mathematics and his passion for the emerging field of data sciences, he would be well suited for that role too.
He felt it was only fair to keep Michael apprised of his prospects in the data analytics department but also that he was now first-in-line to be considered as David’s successor.
“Michael, there is a vacancy opening up next month in the data analytics department. I recollect your mentioning that the role was of keen interest to you. Would you like me to forward your application?”
David’s words came as a pleasant surprise to Michael. He knew that analytical thinking was one of his key strengths, which he could leverage to further his career progression if given the opportunity. Equally, the possibility to learn a new topic fascinated him as, after four years in sales, there wasn’t much left to learn in his present role.
On the other hand, he had invested the past four years fast-tracking his career. Now, with an excellent chance of being promoted, he was in a position to reap the benefits. While data analytics was a tempting domain to explore, would he be taking a huge risk in having to effectively restart his career? Michael wondered what he should do.
Most of us are conditioned by our past to stay within our comfort zone. It takes a rare form of courage to overcome our inner critic and move beyond the zone of comfort.
Michael was facing his inner critic, the voice of an “inner devil,” who intrudes with self-defeating prophecies and beats down the positive voice of hope and confidence. In his Inner Game series, coaching legend Timothy Gallwey refers to this inner devil as our Self 1, which is constantly impeding and working against Self 2, one’s true self who works toward achieving one’s potential. The consequence is that, because of this interference, we often don’t achieve our potential.
How often have we looked back on a particular situation and wondered whether a different course of action might have been better? We wonder if our career might have taken a different trajectory were we to take a path that better matched our talents and passion.
What could Michael do to defeat his inner critic?
An excellent first step is to engage in self-reflection. We begin by acknowledging that each of us are truly unique individuals with unique qualities that shape us to be who we really are and free us to move further. By silencing our inner critic, we worry less about what others measure us to be and work toward being truly ourselves.
However, this is a step that is easier said than done. When we remain dormant and prefer to stay content with our present status and show reluctance to challenge our status quo, by this inaction, we do ourselves the serious injustice of not tapping into that vast reservoir of talent residing in us.
Michael might elect to stay in his zone of conformity and ignore this one-of-a-kind opportunity. Or, he can decide to leverage his potential by embracing a future that is uncertain but hugely attractive. Gallwey refers to “the ability to move or adapt, to change or be changed” as “mobility.” He adds that it is the ability to “reach one’s objectives in a fulfilling manner to reach goals at the right time and in a way we feel good about. Therefore, mobility is not only change but fulfillment and harmony with one’s progress.”
When I have found a path so perfect,
It would be a shame to have it wrecked,
A few odd years, not that long ago,
Happy, I would have gone with the flow.
But, now I worry if it’s the right step to take,
To step back, is it a blunder that I'll make.
Mistakes from my past weigh me down,
What goes around does come around.
Electing for mobility, Michael said, “Thanks, David. I would be very pleased if you would forward my application for this opportunity.”
Ask yourself, if you were in a situation similar to Michael’s, what would you have done?
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