

Leading Leaders’ primary focus is to create dramatically improved performance and life satisfaction for people, by helping them understand who they are first and then where they are gifted. Then turning those abilities into their strongest contribution to the world.
March 12th 2010
February 22nd 2010
February 15th 2010
To most, it looks like you have it under control. Just the right amount of charring, a little crisp and best when HOT. You "go" well with many other pairings, and are fairly adaptable. To some however, you are not quite there - 'and therein lies the rub'. You know you have what it takes, but they don't seem to acknowledge it. You try varying approaches, ever changing your strategy to make the connection, but with limited success. You've thought about an edge, but it got rounded off some time ago to appear more 'palatable' to others.
Your intuitions are correct. You need an edge. Shaving off what makes you helpfully unique, in the spirit of not offending others, is the source of your disgruntlement. Take a stand, be about your passions and allow the full impact of your contribution to the world to come through. We need it.
On occasion you might feel a little embarrassed or intimidated, because there is a small part of you that is charred. Its OK most of the time and some folks even like it 'crispy', but it makes it tougher to get along with others sometimes. You still have enough energy, but you know the tank is draining and you are very grateful for Fridays. You think about looking for another job, but you don't really have the time.
The thoughts about job hunting are the give away, along with the TGIF relief. You sense increased pressure internally and -for now- can redirect it into energy, but you know it is accumulating. Part of your biggest frustration is that you are not sure why you are frustrated, you just know you are. BEWARE! A vacation can help, but more than likely you need more clarity to address this discontent.
Every once in a while it just comes out. The word, the phrase, it just tells on you like there's something a little fried on the inside. People don't seem to notice, or at least they don't say anything. You grow more and more disgruntled with your everyday activities and are now frustrated enough to talk openly about it with certain people. You are not irrecoverably charred, but some are getting turned off by you.
The idea that you might find some relief by talking about it, is the indication that your condition is worsening. You probably struggle to distinguish your personal frustration, with your work frustration. Tell about your challenges carefully because they could lead to concept or people bashing, when really what needs to happen is for you to more clearly understand where you fit best and to make that change. It may sound complicated,
You can't hide it anymore. The charring is too evident. You have lost the desire to cover it too. People are beginning to avoid you, and it is really affecting you. Almost all your conversations are about your challenges and it is beginning to color all that you think about too. You are looking for other jobs on the weekend and are calculating how much sick time you have left, wondering if you could take some of it this year? Your health could be deteriorating too.
The writing is on the wall. Very few people like burnt toast and you are loosing some of your connections. Don’t internalize the anger, use the energy to discover what is good about you and what you have, to contribute to the world. Your frustration could come from the fact that you are not being seen or used where you are strong. It’s not their job to understand your abilities - its yours. Take control of your future and your happiness and do something about it.
At this point you are almost toxic to others. You are so 'Toasted' that people avoid you and friends are hiding. No-one seems to be able to help you, and fewer are willing to listen. It seems like this is all you talk about anymore and it is even wearing you out. You look for jobs online during work hours and almost wish you would get caught, because then the anguish would end. You used to like it here, but all that is changed now. Your heart races without solicitation and your worst time of the week is Sunday night.
It is time for radical change. Get out - now. Go find yourself. You are not operating out of your own abilities - you are wearing someone elses clothes and they don’t fit and you are tired of it. It is time to go back to basics. Time to rediscover WHO you are and get about that. You have some amazing talents that you sacrificed for the sake of performance, provision or status. Don’t do that anymore. The way it is affecting you and your health, demands that you attend to it. You need help.
What an incredible investment you’ve made in us. Thank you for helping me be a better leader, for helping equip my team to better appreciate and understand all that God has called them to be.
Deborah Mash
Executive Director, Media Ministries
Gateway Church

