Thinking Differently is Your 2022 Superpower

Following a guru and you're always playing catch up. Think differently and you'll be the one others will follow. I say this out of genuine frustration to create a business that provides a lasting impact to clients that value my work. The problem I've faced is with reading, listening and engaging in personal development can often be what steers you off course. Sometimes your greatest superpower is Thinking Differently and even more powerful is leading with this as your true north when you don't see the results.

If this is you, then read on. I care about you to give you the courage to trust yourself to create and obtain the vision you have. After some time of doubt, trust yourself and others will find you interesting for thinking differently. I'll share a few examples of where this has served me well and while I'm sharing, please think about your situation. We'll come back to you shortly with some tips to move from Thinking Differently to being the person others will follow.

Standing out: With so many consultants, I felt lost trying to keeping up with the "Jones". I positioned myself as The Drop-in CEO; who not only provides a service, but leaves a lasting impact. It's interesting and people have interviewed me and find the positioning very unique. It positions my work as a unique value proposition vs. one that is commoditized

Take a counter position on an issue: Often I'm asked about "the glass ceiling" when it came to my career progression. I said in my world there is not a glass ceiling. While I am grateful for those who came before me that had endured career adversity, I don't own that narrative now. When you believe there are barriers, they will control you and your mindset. When you free yourself from a narrative that needs to be "fixed", the only people you help are those who make money off of your mindset. I've always navigated around barriers to ascend to the ideal job. So I ask you, take a counter position on an issue and you will stand out for Thinking Differently.

Validation is in front of you if you're open to seeing it. Often different ideas are quickly squelched when we don't see others resonating with your thoughts. The issue is we're conditioned in traditional ways for validation when we actually need to see & feel it in a different way. I once gave a talk about a different approach to leadership and my senior leaders admonished me. When I took the time to listen to my peers, I was saying exactly the right thing and encouraged me to keep going. While my bosses positioned mattered, it could be I was mean to lead a different group of people in a completely different way. Launching my business was exactly what I needed to do and others are now following.

So now I turn back to you. Do you have unique ideas, but don't know how to move them forward? Just know that others are waiting for you to stand up and lead them down the road less traveled. If you need support to encourage you and evolve your ideas, know that I'm here to support you.

If this 1st newsletter resonates with you and it's worthy of continuing, I would love your feedback: What should I continue to do, what can I start doing to provide more value and what would you have me change?

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Let's grow The CEO's Compass Community!

Deb Coviello, Founder of Illumination Partners