What Sword Do You Choose?

Hi! My name is Parissa. This is "Modern Badass: A Field Guide", where Modern Badasses can feel seen, understood and valued. And, it's also a place for others to crack the code on the Modern Badasses in their lives (and maybe learn some badassery themselves). Want this in your inbox 2x/month? Hit the “subscribe” button above!

The gruesome expression "to fall on one's sword" means taking ownership and responsibility for something in good times or if something goes pear-shaped (or worse).

I've been saying "falling on a sword" a lot lately. Like any self-respecting Middle Easterner, I decline prose in favor of melodrama.

All humor aside though, the expression lends a degree of seriousness to the discussion. When a Modern Badass says it, they mean: this is what I'll be responsible for, this is what I'll fight for, this is a non-negotiable for me, this is a boundary, etc.

For Badasses, this is a choice they make regularly. They always ask and ponder what is the highest and best use of attention, resources, talent, time, etc. Badasses will do this even if it were to mean it may be at their expense.

Badasses do unpopular things even though it's right.

I'll share a story about "Angela" (name changed for confidentiality).

Angela led a high-profile project, preparing for a multi-million dollar fundraising pitch to the company CFO. Success would benefit both her career and her department, and her department head was counting on it.

To make a credible pitch, Angela knew she had to present three viable options (A, B, and C), detailing their pros, cons, and required investments. She also had to endorse the best option for the company, which she believed was B.

On Pitch Day, Angela excelled, strongly advocating for option B. The CFO, though impressed, stated he only had funds for option A, the cheaper alternative.

Angela’s next move was risky. She could have accepted A. Instead, she said that A's ROI would be far less than if those funds were used in a completely different line of business. She restated her case for B and told the CFO to cancel the entire project for the good of the company if B couldn’t be funded. He took her advice, canceled the project and deployed the funds elsewhere.

Angela faced backlash and lost favor within her department. Despite the personal cost, she has no regrets about her decision to fall on a sword in 2002, nor does she regret it now in 2024.

She is a Badass.

Badasses fall on swords out of honor and loyalty.

Modern Badasses know that there's no crying in baseball. In other words, they face victory and adversity with equal courage and pluck. They're also some of the most loyal people you'll ever meet. Once they've committed to a team or an idea, they'll stick their neck out in service.

They don't decide to fall on swords lightly. So, when you see it happen in real-time, you know they've already made their peace with whatever may occur afterward, much like Angela did in her story.

Watch my latest DisruptHR talk!

I recently spoke about Modern Badasses at DisruptHR COS. Badasses like Angela bring a lot to the table. And, I worry about a future iPhone or iPad we'll never have if these Badasses are exiled, sidelined or silenced.

How much of a Badass are you?

Take the quiz! Get instant insights that you can apply (or experiment) immediately. Discover the Modern Badass traits you possess and crack the code to highlight your Badass brilliance to others!

Also, hit the subscribe button above and:

• Book time to speak 1:1 with me.
• Read my book! It's available on Amazon and Audible.
• Subscribe to the Sixense Strategy YouTube Channel where I share past sessions of Badass Bytes, my livestream, and the LinkedIn Video Series.
• Forward this newsletter to others.

Falling On Swords,

Parissa

P.S. I'd love to work with you regardless if you are a Badass or lead one. Book time to talk about any of these options that may intrigue you.

1. What Sparks You??How can you tap into your flavor of badassery? You might be ready to channel your edge and power but you're unsure as to how to start. Let's have a conversation so that we can identify your blocks and get you back on the badassery road.
2. What's Your?Bold Vision??I'll design a Sixense Vision a half-day workshop?just for you. We'll talk about your past, and your present to design a strategy to craft your future. It also includes a Hogan Assessment and debrief.
3. Make A Bold Move.?Retain me as your advisor and coach. My Modern Badass clients love working with me 1:1 because I am an objective thinking partner and strategist who champions (and challenges) them as they create their futures. I don't hold anything back and I speak truth to power with power.