When circumstances are difficult, people look to their leaders for more than answers.   They look for perspective, direction, and perhaps most importantly, a reason to believe that progress is still possible.   But there's a difference between offering hope and offering reassurance.   Reassurance says, Everything will be fine.   Realistic hope says, This is difficult. We don't know exa...

          For many high performers, the formula for growth has been remarkably consistent:   Take on more. Work harder. Become more efficient. Figure it out.   And for a long time, it works.   We learn faster. Build expertise. Increase our stamina. Develop better systems. Each new opportunity stretches our capacity, and we rise to meet it.   So when greater responsibility arrives, we instincti...

        Early in our careers, we are often acutely aware of how much we don't know.   We ask questions. Seek advice. Watch people who are better than us. Invite correction. We rely on mentors, colleagues, and leaders to help us close the gap between where we are and where we want to be.   Then something interesting happens.   We succeed.   Subscribe to keep reading this post ne...