The Leadership Escape Room (Don't Get Stuck)

A few years ago, I participated in an escape room for the first time. I loved it. Games are in my blood.

To exit an escape room, you simply have to solve a sequential series of puzzles.

Find the key. Unlock this box. Find the puzzle piece inside. Slot it into the puzzle. See what picture it forms. Find the code. Enter it into the keypad. Escape.

Modern leadership is also a series of escape rooms

However, there's a twist, instead of solving new puzzles every time, you are always solving the same puzzle, just in different rooms, and different moments.

And that puzzle, the one you'll face in every room you enter, is...

How do we recalibrate?

I call this the Modern Leaders' Dilemma.

Although it seems like a simple question, it's deceptively complex.

To enter into the next room (i.e. the next phase of your business or life), requires recalibration of how you and your team show up.

Recalibration has three components.

1. Destination: We need to know where we're headed. The worst fate for any leader? Racing full speed to a place we never meant to land. So, we slow down to become mindful about where we are heading. Does our previous destination still hold up? Or does it need a rethink?
2. Direction: This is self-awareness and situational clarity—our alignment to the path we've set. Ideally, we operate at Zero Degrees, meaning there is no deviation from our chosen course. However, what's likely is that over time you will find yourself drifting. And it's only by noticing it that you can do something about it.
3. Recalibration: The first two pieces here is about clarity of thought and awareness of self. This is the action piece. This is the active realigning of thoughts and actions with our intended path. To recalibrate is to engage in change.

The better you become at recalibration, the easier you move from room to room.

Do not get stuck.

Erik

Links For Your Growth

1. I am hosting a virtual coaching session for leaders called, "You Can't Fix What You Can't See". You can register here.
2. We have been receiving great feedback about our first audio-only course called Unity. It's a high-quality podcast experience geared towards making you a better team leader. Purchase it here.