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Greetings, Summit Leaders.
Endurance is the capacity of our character that makes it possible for us to face things without losing hope, patience while steadfast, bearing up under, and accomplishing the mission laid out for us.
How do great leaders gain the endurance needed?
The answer is they see the purpose of the testing as preparation for enjoying and helping others on the other side. "Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while."
We are living and working in new ways that are challenging and testing our endurance. Some examples of the trials we now face are COVID-19, isolation, and seeing injustice in the world.
One of the best ways to fuel endurance is through reflection on past victories on your journey. When we stop to reflect, we gain insights.
Often, the insight continues to help others years later.
The process builds our faith, confidence, and resolve to keep going higher.
In a conversation with a Summit leader,
I recently shared an experience that was very hard and difficult for me to endure.
Now, twenty years later, the insight I shared prompted this response. "This is just what I needed."
Every great leader is a climber. The Summit Leaders are climbers!
Why is this important? Someone stated, "We can lead people no higher than the point we are willing to pay the price to reach."
Endurance energizes us to go higher!
Here are three steps I am discovering to build endurance to go higher.
In part two next week, we will share steps two and three.
1. Overwhelming gratitude.
2. Optimistic desire and passion.
3. One vision.
* Step One: Overwhelming gratitude.
I wrote in Volume 14 of my journals on August 7, 2012, "Today (my manager) informally suggested that I begin looking for another job in IBM." "Seeking new IBM assignment 8/17/12."
His suggestion was not planned but overflowed from a conversation focusing on a variety of business topics.
In reflecting on the time between August 2012 and April 2013, I see an example of endurance development that all leaders will experience on their journey to the summit.
Over the preceding year, I faced difficult business challenges but felt compelled to fulfill my client commitments. I could not give up. At the time, it was not clear to me what was happening.
Looking back, I see it was the testing of my endurance and belief that something beautiful was ahead for me.
On April 13, 2013, my new Summit manager said, "Welcome to the team!" I received a new assignment as IBM Summit Program Manager! I danced in the victory that morning following our conversation!
On July 22, 2020, seven years later, I am in Volume 36 of my journey. I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I write notes during a time of reflection. I am sharing and encouraging others during their climb.
We are experiencing a time of testing and building endurance. When you are wondering if you can endure the trial, take courage because you certainly will last and make it to the summit.
Let endurance make us complete, lacking nothing as leaders!
Victory!
