"If you aren't indispensable yet, it's because you haven't made that choice," says Goodin. That one line confronted me deeply. Have I made that choice? Am I indispensable? If so, to whom; to what? For what purpose?
Goodin speaks of artistry and of making the choice to give your artistry away as a leader. Interesting how something so counter cultural could be so powerful. When I think back to the best leaders I've known, they have been indispensable to me because they were generous. They freely gave themselves, their knowledge, their encouragement, and at times their discontent to me to make me better. They painted a picture of capabilities they saw deeper within me that I didn't yet see. They championed attributes I was barely in touch with. They pushed me beyond my comfort zone and at times threw me into the deep-end. Their artistry was the way they did this. Their artistry was their gentle passion and belief that I was worth their investment. I became malleable clay in their hands and I am today who I am much because of the tools, strokes, and pressure they applied in my life.
So now I am pondering being indispensable. Am I indispensable? To whom or what do I want to be indispensable? What do I need to give away to get there? These are great questions to ponder as I stare at the canvas of my life. I'm picking up the brush and I am ready to share my artistry with the world.
Where are you on the choice to be indispensable? What is your artistry and how will you share it with the world?
