Initiator & Creator - the gifts of visionary storytellers
The gift of initiator is not always synonymous with leader. Of a cause, of a solution, of an idea to change unfairness, workplace behaviors or community inclusion. Many initiators see opportunities and make suggestions on a regular basis. Not with the intent of ‘leading’, but to spark things up: make things better, fair, expanded or transformed. There is not an expected outcome of an initiator, only that they use their gift to bring attention to something and to get the ball rolling. In many cases the initiator is not even the person who takes action and see things into being. Only that they bring truth, perspective and another way of thinking into action. They spark curiosity in others through their suggestions and inspire action. The initiator is not afraid by the way. They will speak of very uncommon or uncomfortable ideas or solutions as well. This is the gift of an initiator. They bring light and truth to issues, obstacles, unfairness or disrespect. They not only speak to and about what they see, they also seek out truth. It is all about gaining clarity and alignment with what is actual, what is real. Then sharing this truth with the world.
You are an initiator through seeking and speaking truth in an aligned way.
Initiators encourage growth, catalyze change, expand perception, and ripen potential in others. Through challenging the status-quo the initiator aligns with and provides clarity through their knowing which allows others into their own authenticity and inherent power. It’s not about their own power. These are the folks who speak up when it would be more comfortable to stay silent. These folks don’t worry about acceptance, being liked, pleasing others or needing a sense of belonging. They challenge and they like to be challenged! So, they can’t worry. Their super power is being vulnerable and real!
Sometimes initiators may doubt themselves (because of that dang ole training) and attach what they know to be true to outcomes. They may not speak up what they are feeling/seeing/knowing inside. This role is too crucial so find your voice and speak truth. Your role is to be an innovator of new systems and paradigms that step beyond old ways of doing and thinking about things.
I think there is such a loss of belief in our society. The belief in our gift of creating, being creative, bringing into existence something born in our minds and hearts. Everyone is born with the gift of creating. It does not take much to rip that sense of confidence to this gift right out of us (typically while we are young). Creativity, creating, being a creator all come from a sense of bringing vision to life. Unfortunately, when we think we are not creative (typically tied to art, performing arts, music, creative problem solving, etc.) we lump all of those pieces of creating together and toss them out the door. You are a creator because you generate: from a vision, feeling, thought or emotion. Even as we may recover from old wounds and open up that creator door there are current adulting behaviors that will still hold it down. Including not giving yourself space to create, experiment and grow.
Being buried in tasks and execution mode holds you back. Give yourself space and time to tap into your gifts.
Being a creator does not only mean writing a book, whipping up some concoction in the kitchen that is to die for or creating a piece of art. It means using your gift to bring to life something from within you. I’ve had so many ideas that led to big ideas, that led to initiatives, that led to new business practices. I didn’t realize how important it is to allow space for the initial idea or seed to get started. Seeds take time to germinate, sprout and grow into something that maybe you didn’t even fully imagine at the beginning. The point is that you got it started and tended to it! The most important part of shaping your idea is through storytelling in a way that others can align to your idea. Being a visionary storyteller is a superpower for creators.
You are a creator through your ability to provide structure to vision to bring something into being.
The most important piece of advice to get started or to keep your creative/creator gift going is you don’t need to know all of the answers or how things will turn out (outcomes). Experiment and adjust along the way. The more space and time you provide your creation the more it will evolve and grow.
Be an experiment of embracing failure and having a willingness to go for your ideas. No fear.
Angie
#loveyourgifts
Purpose of this blog series: I’d like to bring to light those ‘other’ gifts that truly do make a difference with our teams, business, leadership and effectiveness in the hope (yes I use this word almost daily now??) others will start to embrace their gifts, talk about them, not hide them or feel ashamed when an authority figure gives their opinion (based on that ole patriarchal system). Bringing light to your gifts and how special they are. I’ll also tackle some of the negative ways they can be viewed and attempt to share how you can embrace and recognize those gifts.
#4 in 6 part series