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Honestly, I didn’t expect you up here,” he said.
I was standing at the front of the room with 3 other people, looking back at 36 other colleagues in a leadership training class (17 years ago).
We just completed an exercise that simulated performance reviews. The top 10% received exceptional ratings… but it was up to us to choose among our group.
“Got it? Ok… go.” Our instructor said, after he explained the exercise.
The 40 of us just looked at each other.
Then, 2 people I marked as “leaders” within our group walked to the front of the room.
"The only person standing in your way... is you."
At that moment, I had this crazy conversation in my head…
I want to be up there too.
But do I deserve it?
Yes of course you do, I argued with myself.
But should I go up there?
Yes, I shot back again.
But…
Shoot Laura, stop debating, you’re running out of time!
With sweaty palms, a stomach doing somersaults, and shaky knees…
I took a step forward, and paused.
No one said anything.
I started walking slowly… and no one said anything.
I took my spot.
After there were 4 of us up there, we needed to defend our position.
Say why we deserved to be in the top 10%.
I listed 3 things I did in the past few days of training that helped the class… like suggesting a restroom break. I was the only one that gave specific examples.
“Honestly, I didn’t expect you up here. You weren’t on my list,” my instructor said. “But after giving me all those specific reasons… I agree. You deserve to be here.”
Don’t wait for someone to announce you as a leader.
Step forward and take the role.
“The only person standing in your way… is you.”
– Vincent Cassel
French Actor
