How Leaders Can Turn Tiny Glimmers into Vast Game Changers

Summary: The ability to spot potential and turn it into groundbreaking success is a rare and invaluable skill. You can become an exceptional leader by learning to identify small opportunities—glimmers—and transform them into significant innovations and impactful changes. Hint: Not all glimmers are happy and yet still matter.

Dear Dr. Sylvia,

Thank you for an extraordinary executive coaching session yesterday.

By all means, I want to share how you helped me see with new eyes; I hope you will share what I learned with others.

As you know, I returned from vacation and found myself embroiled in a team conflict that was, to say the least, a miserable mess.

Here is the short version of what happened for your readers to follow.

Firstly, I will be accountable and own the fact that I waited too long to tell my direct report that she would not be the lead in the upcoming educational session with ten new salespeople.

Above all, my excuse is lousy! I was so busy tying loose ends together to get away for two weeks that I almost forgot to tell her.

Pay attention to the interactions: what is minimal to you may be significant for someone else

In my mind, it was “no biggie.” Yet, in her mind, it was a punch to the gut.

Sadly, I did not think about her. I was too busy with me!

When I returned, I was summoned to HR to discuss the upset and anger still in place.

Look, I am now making amends.

While uncomfortable, I can see my lack of considering her feelings as inappropriate.

Here is where you come in.

In our recent session, I mentioned that for my last week of vacation, I felt a “funny feeling ” in my stomach that would come and go during the day.

No, it had nothing to do with food. Nor did it have to do with my family. We were having a great time.

Body awareness is vital for excellent leadership

For instance, in our session yesterday, you taught me about “Focusing” first developed years ago by University of Chicago professor, Eugene Gendlin. Learning about the “felt sense” in the body, or glimmers, as you call them, is vital for personal and professional growth.

Furthermore, I learned that somehow, on a subtle level, I knew I had discounted my colleague. I ignored the feeling of discontent, yet it was there to help, not hinder me.

It took my session to focus on that “felt sense” to bring my discomfort to the surface. It was only then I could make behavioral changes.

Most importantly, I now have a simple, yet powerful way to align with what my body is telling me and then what my mind needs to do.

This body awareness can now help increase my self awareness and help me grow into a more considerate and confident leader.

I will be more attentive to listening to those “glimmers,” both those I think are good as well as the bad ones, rather than ignore them.

I now see that if I pay more attention to those moments where there is a spark of energy, a moment where I feel confused, what people call “an itch you cannot scratch” it may be something I have left undone or need to do.

Being a leader is complex and yes, it does mean learning to pay attention to those glimmers so we can turn them into gold.

Thank you for your help.

Signed,

A Man Who Is Better Each Day

Glimmers can become game changers if you pay attention

Dear Better,

I am delighted you want me to share about our session yesterday.

In fact, I think it could help many to have a broader view of what it means to be a leader, both at work and in life in general.

Here, I want to underline that those body glimmers are always there. That is, if we practice looking for, listening to, and feeling them.

Understanding glimmers leads to long term success

For example, the idea of “glimmers”—those initial sparks of potential that, with the right nurturing–can lead to substantial change. These glimmers, that show up in your body, like a slight shiver, can lead to innovative ideas, emerging trends, or untapped talents within a team.

Recognizing a glimmer is the first step; the real challenge lies in transforming it into a game changer.

A transformational mindset develops from paying attention to glimmers

Ultimately, the importance of a transformational mindset is key to leaning how to pay attention to glimmers. Leaders who succeed in making significant changes are those who can see beyond the immediate benefits and envision the long-term potential.

They are willing to invest time, resources, and effort into nurturing glimmers, often in the face of uncertainty and risk.

Cultivate Innovation with glimmers

All things considered, glimmers are positive. They are like an internal GPS system. They can help foster a culture of innovation within an organization, which is crucial for turning glimmers into game changers.

Moreover, this involves creating an environment where team members feel empowered to share ideas, experiment, and take calculated risks. Leaders must encourage creativity and provide the necessary support to explore new possibilities.

Strategic Vision and Execution

Having a strategic vision is essential, but execution is where the magic happens. This includes setting clear goals, aligning resources, and focusing on the desired outcomes. Successful leaders balance vision with pragmatism, ensuring that every step taken is a move towards turning a glimmer into a game changer.

Developing Leadership Qualities

Above all, leaders must develop life skills to become adept at turning glimmers into game-changers. These include resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from failure. Continuous personal development is crucial for leaders who wish to stay ahead of the curve and make a lasting impact.

Take the Path to Becoming a Game-Changing Leader

In conclusion, glimmers provide a roadmap for identifying potential, fostering innovation, and executing strategies that lead to transformational change. Today’s leaders can develop the skills and mindset to turn small opportunities into great advantages.

To your success,

Sylvia Lafair

PS. Our coaches are available to help you become a game-changing glimmer aficionado. A series of five sessions offers the leadership tools you need for life-changing body/mindset exercises.