Learning to Lean In

When does a strength become a hindrance?

That’s something I’m exploring at the moment as part of my personal development journey. Through the insight work I’ve been doing (big up to the Gyre team), I’ve identified an under-used strength I want to work on: “Sees Opportunities.”

Actually, it’s a bit more than that - it’s sees and SEIZES opportunities.

So where does the hindrance come in? Well, two of my signature strengths are Humility and Creates Solutions. All good - I want to be the low-ego partner who gets stuff done for his clients. But the dark side?

• Humility = uncomfortable pushing myself as the product

• Creates Solutions = I focus on how to achieve, more than what could be achieved

So, where does that leave me?

When I work with clients, I’m a brilliant partner - my ego doesn’t get in the way of the right outcome, and I create high-quality products. Whether that’s a development course, a strategy, a new framework, or a well-packaged coaching programme.

But getting clients?

Ah man, that’s a whole heap of problems.

That requires me to:

• Get out there and tell you how good I am

• Put together a profitable pitch

• Sell…

But then I reflected on where I am good at seeing and seizing opportunities.

And it’s all the time - in my personal life.

That up-and-coming band we should catch tonight before they blow up?

I’m there.

A win-win holiday where my wife gets her well-earned poolside relaxation and I get to ride up Mount Teide in Tenerife?

Already booked the bike. (See the picture - me last week.)

A chance to catch up with friends in London after a work event?

I’ve already got a spot picked out in King’s Cross.

So what does this all mean?

It means I have the skills to spot opportunities. I just need to get out of my own way - and be brave. I am what I’m selling now, and I have to be comfortable with that.

So here goes:

👉 I’m an experienced, successful senior leader who’s delivered fantastic outcomes for individuals, teams, and businesses in every organisation I’ve worked with.

Today, I’m uniquely placed to:

• Build consulting solutions that work - delivering commercial value, not just noise

• Coach leaders with real-world insight into the messiness and randomness of corporate politics

• Balance bold ideas with the practicalities of actually delivering them

Ultimately? I’m a nice guy who gets stuff done.

I just don’t like shouting about it.

But if you’re learning to lean in - or you want me to lean into your challenges with you - get in touch here or drop me a message on LinkedIn.