Playing Hurt...Don't get sidelined by a bruised ego. Part 1

Kirk Gibson 1988 World Series home run

Athletic heroics are often tied to scenarios whereby a leader of a team refuses to give in to a physical hurt for the chance to keep competing.  Forgoing the bench, the hero plays through the pain that is all too common with competing at a high level. We often cite this as the ability to play hurt.  Injury mandates that a player is sidelined to prevent any additional harm.  "Hurt," on the other hand, calls into question the mental toughness of an athlete's ability to play through the inevitable twists, bumps, and bruises that come with the territory.  For leaders, ego twists, bumps, and bruises come with the territory when you are the tip of the spear. The cares and critiques of multiple stakeholders are constantly orbiting your day, and will call into question your ability to "play hurt."

Decisive moments are happening all day, everyday. In those moments, your ego will take a few knocks that can undermine your best impression management efforts.  Like the athlete refusing to allow a twisted ankle to keep them on the bench, all leaders must come to grip with their ego toughness.  If your day doesn't involve any such challenges, then you are most likely a manager instead of a leader.

Make no mistake, the athlete jumping back into the game is feeling discomfort.  However, instead of bowing out, he puts his own feelings aside for the mission's sake. This issue is the crux of why over 70% of leaders fail or derail in their careers. The leaders being promoted today for success as a specialist, are falling for their lack of the interpersonal skills (toughness) to serve a mission instead of themselves. 

In the fast paced and competitive world of today, a leader's ability to play hurt emotionally is an ever appreciating asset.  Ego toughness will determine whether or not their attitude remains functional, or falls prey to the dysfunctional. Exponentially, the same will hold true for the attitude of the organization as they follow the leader. 

Win Today!

Victor