It takes time to become an overnight success
Every now and then I read interviews with someone who has struck the big time – who appear to have come from nowhere – and is judged to be an “overnight success”. Usually the interview uncovers years of hard work and determination. I was reminded of this in reading a post on Rosabeth Moss Kanter’s blog headed “Instant Success Takes Time”.
She says that in her view ( and from her research)
” winners are more likely to take time to keep honing skills and testing ideas in preparation for change”
When I was a participant in a programme at the Columba 1400 International Leadership Centre on the beautiful Isle of Skye 5 years ago we learned their 6 core skills of leadership – awareness, focus, creativity, integrity, perseverance and service (referred to as AFCIPS). Shortly after that I was made redundant and set up Cameron Consulting as a coaching consultancy. Right from the outset I got the opportunity to become involved in projects that – although used my coaching skills – required much more and over that time I believe I have learned far more about me than I ever did in the previous 46 years.
When I am working as a coach with clients I am honoured to be there when they have a “light bulb moment” – when something which has been causing them concern suddenly becomes crystal clear. I had one of those myself last week . Up to then I had not really had myself down as a patient person. In fact my love of having several projects on the go at any one time kind of proved that to me. But then I got an e-mail confirming that I had won a contract for work for a client I first started speaking to about 3 years ago. As I reflected on AFCIPS and realised that all of those had come into play. Maybe there should be 2 Ps – to include patience?
We all have – or should have – an idea of what success would look like to us and I have some way to go yet. Rosabeth Moss Kanter says that “winners” are steady, disciplined and prepared. Worth thinking about in these days when we seem to be in such a hurry to get there – wherever there is …
Excellent title, Jackie! I’m glad that your patience paid off for you – congratulations on your new and hard earned client.
Thanks Brad . Really appreciate both your comments!!
Nice going, Jackie.
In a world that seems to value sound-bites and “now” in lieu of substance and diligence, your story is a testament to the latter. We humans will patiently plant seeds and water the garden until it’s “time” for the blossoms; we somehow fool ourselves into thinking the maturation of our own situations is different.
Jackie, thanks for pointing out that it was coincidental that we had each blogged on the need for patience. It was interesting to find that as you run your business, you are learning much about yourself. Interestingly, I thought I was a patient person, but I learned that I was not. I learned that when I had more on my plate than I thought humanly possible during those doctoral studies.
Steve …I like that comparison. Thanks, as always, for taking the time to comment.
Hey Robyn – great minds and all that! I can only guess at what went into those studies and how you balanced your time. The fact that each of us learn from our experiences is great. It is my strong desire to encourage others who have not yet realised the value of doing so to do the same.
[...] November As economic gloomy conditions continue we might need to reconsider how we view success. [...]