This edition of the newsletter is short because I’m off on an adventure. You know those international student trips? Well, guess who decided to go along as a chaperone for one of those trips? Me, that’s who. I’m going to Europe with a group of teenagers— my daughter included!— and a couple of fabulous colleagues. I’ll be taking a break from this newsletter for the next few weeks while I explore ancient ruins and eat a lot of gelato.
Before we go, though, let me offer a brief but important reminder about the gift of leading humans.
Last week, I wrote about a musician who’d left a successful band to go off on his own, building a brand as a solo artist. He did it because he want to deal with the inevitable issues that come with working with others. He wanted more control of his time, his performances, and his music.
As I said last week, those of us in leadership positions don’t get the luxury of such a decision.
On the contrary, we work with all the inevitable messiness that comes with humans— the conflicts and the arguments, the laughter and the joy, the annoyances and celebrations.
Sure, it is entirely possible to work faster, make fewer mistakes, and live with less drama when you operate alone.
The solo artist had it right: total control means total certainty.
But certainty is a terrible substitute for growth.
If we insulate ourselves from the variables of other people, we also insulate ourselves from their genius.
It is the understanding that while relying on others is an undeniable hassle, it is also our only true reward. We don't just need others to share the load—we need them to show us what we're capable of building when we finally stop trying to do it all ourselves.
It’s just another reminder how beautifully powerful we are when we work together— when we lead with a willing acceptance of the mess.
I hope you are all immersed in your summer plans, whether those plans include mountains, oceans, rivers, deserts, or your soft, cozy couch. What’s your joy? US magazine? Movies? Books? Ice cream? Gardening? The pool? Home projects, magazines, dogs, needlepoint, airplanes, concerts, naps, baseball, painting…
… oh, what a world we live in when there is so much to do to enhance our lives during our down time.
I look forward to returning to your inbox in July!
Gratefully,
Jen
P.S. Except for spell check, there is still no AI used in writing this newsletter.