I was filling out a form recently that asked me to list some of my “specific and unique skills”.
It seems pretty ordinary and yet the very premise of this statement is worth exploring.
In truth so much of what each of us has to offer can only be expressed in community, as an embodiment of that community rather than as a collection of individuals with “specific and unique skills”.
This got me thinking:
- Who am I in a group?
- How am I different in different groups?
- How am I different from when I am alone?
My reflex is to sit quietly in the corner and say nothing but beneath all this is a desire to see the group function well and fulfil its purpose.
My role in many groups is thus as “gap filler”, sensing what the group needs and then reflecting on how I might best contribute.
This means that sometimes I am able to offer a piece of the jigsaw that unlocks the collective puzzle but in other circumstances other pieces are missing and nothing unlocks. It is thus not about me – it is about the group.
It also means I turn up differently in different groups and I have made peace with this.
What about you?
Questions in the Image:
- Who am I in a group?
- What roles do I play?
- What drives me?
- Who am I when alone?
Nurturing Curiosity – Daily Practice: This is part of the Nurturing Curiosity series of tools, insights and questions designed to help nurture curiosity as part of our daily practice. In point of fact, every interaction we have is an opportunity to question what we are observing and how we and others are seeing the world. Also remember that questions come in many forms throughout our day.
About Tom O’Leary
Tom guides bold pioneers through inner transitions towards regenerative futures.
His primary offering – through a process he calls Ecological Coaching – is about working with leaders on the mindset, skillset and structural shifts that will power their organisation’s outer transition.
This means helping leaders thrive while creating ripples of positive change within their organisation and most importantly for the communities they serve and ultimately life on this planet.
It is thus not just about the leader as an “individual” but rather as part of an ecology of relationships. Within this ecology, he helps the leader feel heard, gain clarity, take action, build confidence and thrive all in service of something bigger.
How Might Tom Help?
- My first invitation is to take maximum advantage of the free content on this site.
- As you are reading this, you are clearly on a fascinating journey. If you feel you would benefit from us doing some work together on some aspect of your journey, please explore this page: How Can I Serve?
- I also endeavour to answer every email so if you have any queries do reach out.
