More Than Just A Snowflake

You might think snowflakes are simply unique formations of moisture that fall from the clouds. However, each snowflake begins its journey by attaching to a small debris particle, such as dust or pollen. This connection is essential because it’s the starting point for the snowflake's development. As water vapor in the atmosphere freezes onto this particle, it forms an ice crystal that grows into the intricate, hexagonal structure we recognize as a snowflake. The shape of each snowflake is influenced by the temperature and humidity conditions it encounters during its descent.

This phenomenon reminds me of the nature of leadership and the interconnectedness we often overlook. Just as snowflakes aren’t truly independent but rely on that initial particle, we, too are not alone. Humans rely on community and connections. When faced with problems, it’s easy to feel isolated and to get stuck in your own head. However, it's crucial to remember the support and perspectives available to us from those around us.

Our connections - whether they are work colleagues, friends, family, mentors, advisors, or members of your communities - can be invaluable to getting outside of your comfort zone and outside of your head and perspective.

Recently, I found myself stuck on a project, feeling despondent and unsure of how to proceed because I had to deliver many important and difficult messages to a set of clients.?

On a whim, I shared my thoughts with my husband over lunch. What I hadn't planned to express turned out to be a turning point. Sharing my dilemma and my concerns lightened the heavy feeling I had, and his questions led me to a fresh perspective. After our conversation, moving forward was easier and emotionally less difficult.

When considering this idea about snowflakes, I did some research. Didn’t we all learn at school that all snowflakes are unique? Is that true? Well, this is what my search told me:

“Although snowflakes are all the same on an atomic level (they are all made of the same hydrogen and oxygen atoms), it is almost impossible for two snowflakes to form complicated designs in exactly the same way. While snowflakes can be sorted into about forty categories, scientists estimate that there are up to 10158 snowflake possibilities. (That’s 1070 times more designs than there are atoms in the universe!)” Smithsonian article

I bring this up because our ideas, and our challenges, are all also uniquely different. They are because WE all bring something unique to the table. Our life experiences, our surroundings, our connections, and our personalities can all affect how we think, act, and behave in this world. Yes, someone may say - “I have had that issue as well!” - and while it may be true, they are not you.

So for those of you who may be on the other side - the listening side of the equation - who has sat in my husband's seat listening to a challenge? I encourage you to take time to ask questions, such as, “What is the real challenge for you?” Or ask, “What is a small step you can take to move forward or make progress?” Help your friend, family member, or colleague tap into their knowing because they may have all the information on the inside or know what might be missing or needed to make progress. Your job can be the mirror to help them see themselves or to be the wall that bounces back that ball into their hands.

I encourage you to contact your networks and communities when you encounter difficulties. Sharing your concerns and thoughts can lead to valuable insights that help you navigate challenges. Just as snowflakes rely on their connections to form and flourish, you can thrive by leveraging the support of those around you, too. Don’t let the feeling of independence hold you back; instead, embrace the power of collaboration and the diverse perspectives others can offer.

(Thank you Leslie Bruce ICD.D, CDME , pictured above, for your friendship over the years and for the GREAT weekend earlier this year. I am due to host you in Seattle).

Interested in coaching to gain some perspective? Reach out to me here on LinkedIn or email me at [email protected]. I look forward to talking to you.