Be the square wheel – Forge your own path to success
Judith Germain
Multi-Award Winning Leadership Impact Catalyst: Enabling Leaders, Empowering Organisations | Consultant | Trainer | Mentor | Speaker | Author | +44 (0) 7757 898 353
I’ve spent a lot of my professional life helping leaders and business owners in their journey of growth. Whether that’s helping them to amplify their influence, enhance their leadership capability or to grow a business that executes on its emergent strategies.
What I’ve noticed is an almost universal desire for individuals to conform to established norms, fit in and follow a path that others have laid out for them. Whilst I can understand that it is natural, even expected to what to do whatever is required to be accepted and feel like you belong; if you follow what might feel like your natural instinct to conform everyone loses. Especially you.
Fitting in should never be at the expense of compromising who you are and what you know is right. (All things being equal, and what you know ‘is right’, doesn’t harm others).
That being said, when you are the square wheel in a world where there are round ones is extremely challenging. It takes courage to keep going when it can feel like progress is slow and painfully laborious. However, the friction of being different and so obviously not fitting in, can be the catalyst to creativity, forcing you to discover novel solutions and the desire to create our own paths.
Click here to see short illustrative video.
When organisations grow because they value diversity of thought, they grow because we, ourselves, have embraced our own unique perspectives, our lived experiences and have brought them to the table for fruitful discussion.
We owe it to ourselves and others, to ignore the tall poppy syndrome and stand tall, even when others tell us we can’t be a square wheel, scratching the floor with our pointy corners. That we should be like them gliding through a world created for round wheels.
When we allow ourselves to not only see ourselves different, to think differently, we open the doorway to new possibilities. The principles of Maverick Leadership is to embrace this Maverick mindset, and the good news is that we do not have to be a Maverick by personality to do so.
For acting Maverick is to challenge the status quo, not for the sake of rebellion, but for the greater good. We understand that for true progress to happen, we need to create a path less travelled and explore the as yet, unknown.
When we create our own path we pave the way for others, our ability to step out, stand tall and challenge what is known, brings great benefits to those around us and the organisations we belong to and work with. When you choose to be different, we can inspire and empower others to do the same. Observing this ripple effect work its way through the organisation can often lead to a cascade of collective innovation and better solutions for all.
When others see that it is possible to succeed without conforming, your actions can be the catalyst for them to tap into their own unique strengths and perspectives and forge their own pathways to success.
In a world that often values conformity, being the square wheel is an act of courage. It requires resilience, confidence, and an unwavering commitment to your truth.
By working for the greater good, you can forge a path that is uniquely yours, and also contribute to a culture of innovation and inclusivity.
So, the next time you feel the urge to fit in, remember that your unique perspective, your lived experience is your greatest asset. Embrace
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the friction, challenge the norms, and create your own path where being a square wheel is an advantage. In doing so, you’ll not only achieve your own success but also light the way for others to follow.
Be the square wheel and watch how the world transforms around you.
I want to help you improve your leadership capability and execution, so that you can thrive in a complex, constantly changing environment. If you want to be the best leader you can be, or empower the most effective leadership teams within your organisation, then subscribe to this newsletter (do comment and share), check out my book , read my magazine , listen to my podcast !
You could even hire me to help you make that difference!
You can also:
# check out my website: maverickparadox.co.uk
Judith Germain is the founder and principal consultant of The Maverick Paradox, a leadership consultancy that utilises Maverick Leadership principles to catalyse transformation. Enabling business owners, leaders, the C-Suite, and organisations, to thrive in complex, constantly changing environments by improving their diversity of thought, impact, influence and leadership capability.
She is the leading authority on Maverick Leadership, an author, C-Suite and CEO Mentor, consultant, trainer, and speaker. Judith is a Brainz 500 Global honouree, recognised as one of 500 Companies and Influential Leaders who are recognised for their entrepreneurial success, achievements, and dedication to helping others and a winner and finalist of several awards.
Full bio and enquiries on how to hire Judith at maverickparadox.co.uk
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| Creative Copywriter & Storyteller | Elevating Brands by Igniting Emotions and Inspiring Action |
1 个月Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I completely agree. Few things are as inspiring as witnessing a human spirit challenge rigid old customs and triumph guided by its declared values. That "rebellion" is not an attack on order, but an act of respect for what one truly believes, creating a better order from that foundation.?
Done-for-you Operations: Driving growth for Leadership Coaches, Executive Coaches, and Corporate Consultants to achieve 54% and 33% revenue increase in 12 months. Curious how? > Online Business Manager > Fractional COO
6 个月Love this! ?? Being a square wheel sounds tough, but hey, all great inventors were once considered outcasts for their unconventional ideas. It's all about seeing what others don't and daring to go there. Keep pushing boundaries!
From 80-hour weeks to 4-day workweeks: I help coaches and consultants reclaim time, boost profits, and achieve scalable growth | Ex-Fortune 100 Strategist turned efficiency alchemist.
6 个月It's definitely tough being different, but like you said, it can also breed some serious innovation. Sometimes those who have to forge their own path end up coming up with groundbreaking solutions. Thanks Judith Germain.
CEO of Jetlaunch Publishing | 17x Bestselling Author | COO of Strategic Advisor Board | Jetlaunch Publishing | Building Million-Dollar Book Businesses
6 个月I really like the idea of embracing the challenge of being different. It's a powerful reminder that uniqueness can drive creativity.
?? John 5 saved me. Now I'm building The John 5 Movement to teach its methods to help men build strong foundations to fulfill their God given mission? Fitness Coach helping 8+ lose 10-40 lbs.
6 个月Love this message!