3 Lessons From Sunburn.

Hi! My name is Parissa. This is "Modern Badass: A Field Guide", where Modern Badasses can feel seen, understood and valued. And, it's also a place for others to crack the code on the Modern Badasses in their lives (and maybe learn some badassery themselves). Want this in your inbox 2x/month? Hit the “subscribe” button above!

Before I dive in, let's agree that there are snarky answers one could give to the title of this article like "wear (more) sunblock" or similar. Trust me, I've thought of many of them already so save yourself the time. ??

I spent all day yesterday on a boat, thanks to my gracious hosts Shannon Sedlacek and Meagan O'Leary . A good time was had by all... It was so good, I didn't notice the sunburn on my knees or arms until well after I got home. I grabbed some aloe gel and applied liberally.

My coach and friend Rich Litvin likes to say that IP is everywhere and he's spot on. Last night and just this morning, I started to think about the leadership lessons derived from this adventure, aside from the obvious ones. I'm sharing with you what I've compiled so far.

Badass Leadership Lessons

Burns are avoidable. Spending too much time in the sun can lead to burns AND being in potentially difficult leadership situations can also lead to burns. Badasses can create conditions to avoid being burnt in leadership situations, almost like leadership sunblock. For example, we can get alignment and agreement on:

• individual and team goals so that everyone understands why what they do matters and understands their skin in the game;
• team values so that we know how to engage with one another when it feels like the professional sun is extra hot and strong.
• what our remedies are as individuals and as a team when we fall short of the agreements we make with one another as it pertains to goals and values.

You can sit in the shade. Badasses sometimes have an unregulated desire to be out in front, almost like a superhero. They will take a lot of incoming and collateral damage in service of what they see as an exciting opportunity. The truth is:

• badasses don't always have to be out in the elements ALL the time to be good leaders;
• exposing one's self to the elements for too long can make you sick thereby making it harder for you and your team to accomplish that amazing goal you have in your mind's eye;
• your team is often better equipped than you are to handle the elements. Trust them to do what's right and to protect everyone (and themselves) in the process.

Remedies exist. Just like aloe vera can help soothe the symptoms of sunburn, there are remedies for you in the event you burn yourself (or someone else). Badasses can always:

• accept accountability immediately when they've gone too fast for the conditions thereby causing conflict and confusion.
• make new agreements when old ones have been broken. We are human and stuff happens. Re-engage with your clients, colleagues and teams when things break to show your commitment to working together towards a common goal.
• ask for help. If you find you've been burnt, remember that you don't have to do everything by yourself. People are naturally inclined to assist.

Learn where you are on the Badass curve to avoid the burn.

Take the quiz. You'll get instant insights that you can apply immediately. Discover the Modern Badass traits you possess and crack the code to highlight your brilliance!

Also, hit the subscribe button above and:

• Book time to speak 1:1 with me.
• Read my book! It's available on Amazon and Audible.
• Subscribe to the Sixense Strategy YouTube Channel where I share past sessions of Badass Bytes, my livestream, and the LinkedIn Video Series.
• Forward this newsletter to others.

Soothing the burn,

Parissa

P.S. I'd love to work with you regardless if you are a Badass or lead one. Book time to talk about any of these options that may intrigue you.

1. What Sparks You??What lights you up? You might be ready to channel your edge and power but you're unsure as to how to start. Let's have a conversation so that we can identify your blocks and get you back on the badassery road.
2. What's Your?Bold Vision??I'll design a Sixense Vision a half-day workshop?just for you. We'll talk about your past, and your present to design a strategy to craft your future. It also includes a Hogan Assessment and debrief.
3. Make A Bold Move.?Retain me as your advisor and coach. My Modern Badass clients love working with me 1:1 because I am an objective thinking partner and strategist who champions (and challenges) them as they create their futures. I don't hold anything back and I speak truth to power with power.