We first learned of the balance concept through the tale of Goldilocks and the three bears.  Since then, we’ve all been on a subconscious quest for “just right”.  Ironically, there is no such thing.  Balance is a continuous process, not a destination.  You don’t pull your proverbial RV into the just right camp site and hang out for a year.  It’s more like driving around the perimeter of the campground and the kids point to their desired spot … but you never actually stop the RV.

Let’s look at this from a leadership perspective.

When you step into a new role, you’re likely stretched thin and it feels too big.  “Maybe I bit off more than I can chew…”.  Then one day after position mastery you begin to think, “I could do more.  Maybe this role is too small for me to settle in for the remainder of my career.”  Ultimately, we all find something that seems just right.  Enough challenge, enough opportunity, enough free time, enough executive or Board support.  Just right.

Truth:  we all need to be stretched and if you do feel just right, you’ll quickly become complacent and perform poorly over time.  Perhaps the best fit is the pace of change balanced against your appetite for it.

Whether porridge, thermometer, relationships or political climate, it seems the temperature is constantly changing wherever we turn.  You can change your environment or change your attitude.  The latter is much more sustainable.  We adapt and adjust and seek a new balance.

Truth: The more nimble we become, the more valuable and more pleasant we are to those around us.

I’ve been watching The Last Dance about Michael Jordan’s basketball career and focusing on his  last season.  Most of his team would say he was…not soft.  His leadership style on the court reminds me of Steve Jobs stories of a difficult personality who pushed the people around him to achieve unheard of accomplishments … but how are they remembered?  These two exceptional mentions became billionaires and well respected global icons.

We, as spectators, are fascinated with breaking barriers and high success but what price would you pay for that?  Don’t we all want rewarding work (Mastery), high purpose, and autonomy as Daniel Pink suggests in his book Drive?

Truth: Leadership is influence and it requires balancing your approach to your audience to help them realize their full potential.  Being a tyrant could possibly make you rich and famous (more likely it will alienate you from most people) but that’s not leadership.

As a country, we are all facing the balance between long-term public health and a sustainable economic plan.  We can’t even agree on wearing masks right now, although this seems to be approaching uniformity.

Has anyone stopped to recognize how our reactions to the COVID crisis stands out compared to the rest of the globe – in a less than favorable way?

We are out of balance as a country and need to employ some self and situational awareness (cornerstones of emotional intelligence) to bring the effects of this virus to an end.  Wear your mask.  Keep your distance.  Practice good hygiene.  Adapt and adjust your previous habits into new and socially acceptable behaviors.

Have a blessed weekend!