If you miss the "opportunity of a lifetime," do you ever get another one?
Blake wrote these words in his journal, put down his pen, and stared out the kitchen window. He had gotten up early; he couldn't sleep, anyway. His mind was racing as he reflected on his life and career up until this point.
The last decade had been a whirlwind. After his father died, Blake had invested five years trying to live up to his dad's expectations. Jeff had always believed his son could lead. Blake had never been sure, but he pushed through his doubts and dedicated himself to learning the skills of leadership.
Blake's leadership journey had been frustrating. After learning to cast vision, build teams, get results, and more, he had been passed over for formal leadership positions. Confused by this turn of events, he reached out to his longtime mentor, Debbie Brewster. She helped him gain the greatest insight of his life thus far: If your heart is not right, no one cares about your skills.
This revelation led Blake to the next phase in his journey. Armed with the skills he had learned, he began working diligently to strengthen his leadership character. According to those closest to Blake, it was working. Blake was becoming a leader people wanted to follow.
Now, a decade into his career, he finally felt like he understood leadership. The men and women he worked with seemed to agree. There were rumors Blake might someday move into senior leadership. But still, Blake was skeptical about his future at Dynastar, and he had lingering doubts about his own leadership. If he had so much potential, why hadn't he already been given a position of leadership? All these thoughts made Blake's current decision even more difficult.
The options were clear: stay at Dynastar with the hope of a bright future, or take an offer to be the CEO of a small business in a nearby community.
"Small" was a relative term. The business had annual sales of several million dollars and employed more than fifty people. Blake's income would be more than he was currently making, but that was not what excited him. Based on what he had learned, he believed the business had tremendous untapped potential. He was convinced that in a few years, he could double the sales-and profits. The upside opportunity was significant.
There were still two lingering issues. The flat sales had not escaped the notice of the parent company. They were eager for a turnaround. In his conversations with senior leaders, Blake had the distinct impression he would need to make things happen quickly or the business could be closed or sold. His challenge would be to get it back on a growth trajectory as quickly as possible.
The other issue was Megan. Happily married to Blake for just over ten years, she had been with him every step of the way. Blake knew she was unsure about him making this move.
Blake went to the counter to get another cup of coffee as Megan came into the kitchen. "Good morning," he said.
"Morning," Megan mumbled as she made her way to the coffee maker. Blake handed her a cup, and she cradled it with both hands and held her face six inches over the cup to breathe in the warmth. Now somewhat awake, she said, "Today's the day you need to make a decision, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is."
"Have you decided?"
"I'm going to do it."
"What tipped the scales?" Megan asked.
"I see this as a huge opportunity for us. It looks to me like the business has been over-managed and under-led."
"You know you have my full support, and I hate to mention it, but I have one last question," Megan said reluctantly.
"Okay." Blake leaned forward.
"You have never led a company." She looked at him lovingly, "Do you know how?"
"I think so," Blake confessed.
"Your confidence overwhelms me," she smiled.
It looks to me like the business has been over-managed and under-led.
"Well, you're right-I have never led a company. However, I do know a lot about leadership. That's what I've been doing the last decade-learning to lead."
"Yes, I know, and I can see, even here at home, you are a much better leader than you were then. But leading a cross-functional team and leading a multimillion-dollar organization seem," she paused, "well, different."
"I've thought about that, and I agree-but I believe I can figure it out."
"Okay," Megan gave a forced smile.
"With your support, I know this can be a good change for us," Blake said, sensing her hesitation.
"I'm all in." She reached across the table and grabbed his hand.
"Me, too! I'll make the call this morning."