Hidden Beliefs

“You belong in any room you’re in. The question is do you believe it?” ~ Muriel M. Wilkins, Leadership Unblocked

At some point, some fifteen or more years ago, early in my leadership journey as a superintendent, I was asked to be a part of a panel of local Sacramento area leaders. At the same time that I was grateful and flattered for the inclusion - my imposter syndrome was working overtime. Who was I to be included as a voice on this panel with traditional education leaders with state and even national acclaim? At other crossroads of my career I might have found a story (an excuse) to preclude my participation. You don’t ‘fail’ what you don’t participate in. 

I had arrived at that panel invitation because of my strategy and belief that you show up and contribute and serve…. And then you show up and contribute and serve…. Repeat endlessly. I had been showing up and contributing and serving in regional and statewide ACSA (Association of California School Administrators) and my peers there believed in me and saw in me more than I saw in myself - and THEY had placed me on this panel of what THEY saw as my peers and equals. I didn’t want to let them down. 

I remember the then ACSA Executive Director Bob Wells, who was acting as moderator for the panel, asking each of us to respond on what we would do differently looking back on our careers. Each of the esteemed members pointed to some aspect of their journey that led to advice for the emerging leaders in the audience. When it came time for me to speak, I was suddenly calm and confident - I’m not really sure why, maybe this was one of those ‘flow’ moments when everything aligns for optimum results. My first insight was I have a strong belief that things happen for a reason and a purpose and I don’t spend a lot of energy and  time on regrets or looking back. Then I shared that if I had the ability to do so - I would get out of my own way sooner. Even today I am not sure where that came from. It was true, it was authentic and it reflected that it was my own stories and hidden beliefs that 1) made me think I didn’t belong on that panel and 2) that had probably held me back or at least slowed me down in other growth areas/opportunities. 

Anyone who knows me knows that memory and detailed memory is not in my make up (lol) - and yet this memory endures.  From my own heart, from my own core, I had given myself - and hopefully others in the room as well - a powerful reminder that our hidden or unrecognized self-limiting beliefs need to be confronted, acknowledged, unpacked and reframed. So …. What are the hidden beliefs holding you back? A few common ones, according to Muriel M. Wilkins in Leadership Unblocked; I need to be involved, I need it done now, I know I’m right, I can’t make a mistake, If I can do It, so can you, I can’t say no, and I don’t belong here. I recognize myself in some of these unhelpful thoughts - How about you?

“Every leader gets blocked. The key is uncovering the hidden beliefs that are holding you back.” ~ Muriel M. Wilkins, Leadership Unblocked