Hope

A number of conversations recently have centered around this concept of “hope”. Earlier this month while visiting with a top leader, he said to me that he

“often feels hopeless. So much is hard right now. But I can’t let my people see that in me. I have to show them that everything is going to be OK. I have to show them sunshine and rainbows.”

His words hit me straight in the heart. Not only do I often feel the same way, I also believe that to be incredibly unfair. There is an extra layer of burden to painting a rosy picture, especially when our brushes are dirty or the paint is all dried up. That’s how I feel when I’m out of alignment with my leadership, like I own the tools but they need repair.

Knowing that my friend lists authenticity as a core value, I asked what would happen if he showed up with the realness he showed me in this conversation. What would happen if the team saw his moments of doubt?

“I don’t know. That’s a level of vulnerability I don’t have right now. But I need…something.”

This conversation has stuck with me for weeks as I think about hope and that “something” we all need right now for alignment with our leadership and our values. That “something” is different for each of us but a few common concepts speak to me from the many thought-leaders we study at Leadership Montana.

Connection, to be reminded that we don’t walk this life alone.

Play, to laugh, seek joy, and have fun.

Learning, to grow our understanding of the world and our place in it.

Conversation, to build connection and inspire hope.

Rest. Rest. Rest (as I write waiting to board a plane for vacation).

I know these are the things I need to align to my best self and get those leadership tools back in working order. I’m grateful to have found most of these during this past month through our programming. From The Confluence to the Indigenous Immersion Initiative, I’ve genuinely felt those moments of hope for our future.

So for each of us out there yearning for hope and seeking that “something”, let this serve as your invitation to be inspired again by Leadership Montana.

Be well and lead well,

Chantel M. Schieffer
President & CEO
Class of 2010, Masters 2019