Welcome back to Little Leadership Lessons, my newsletter highlighting short but powerful insights to help you lead with confidence and create lasting results. These lessons come directly from my research, interviews, and coaching work with six- and seven-figure creator-founders.
I spent last week training coaches in Asheville, NC. After getting home late Thursday night, I spent Friday with my wife on a wonderfully relaxing meander through Portland. It was just what my soul needed after a long, but fulfilling week away… and also meant I didn’t get a newsletter out.
Sometimes life be like that, as they say. So welcome back.
Let’s get to it.
A Beautiful Photo of Nature
An original, from our visit to Portland Japanese Garden last Friday
Little Leadership Lesson: Nobody is Going to Anoint You
“I thought I had to have a certain job title to be able to do something. I was waiting to be noticed, for someone to tap me and say, now you can do the thing. It took me many years to realize no one’s going to tap you.”
– Ruthie Ackerman on Good Work episode 34
The Mother Code by Ruthie Ackerman is out now!
You heard Ruthie share her story on episode 34 of Good Work. Now you can get a copy of her excellent debut book, which I highly recommend.
My Take on Waiting to Be Tapped
Entrepreneur. Leader. Creator. These aren’t roles you’re granted. They’re ones you choose.
Sometimes the choice comes from necessity. Sometimes from desire. Sometimes from a deep sense that this is the work you were put on earth to do.
But rarely—very rarely—does someone come along and say, “Now you’re ready. Go lead.”
The truth? You know you’re ready when you start doing the thing you’re not sure you’re ready for.
There’s no fairy godmother who makes the rounds saying:
- “You’re ready to start a business.”
- “And you—you’re ready to write a book.”
- “You, my dear, are now qualified to launch that investment fund.”
- “Ah, yes. It’s time for you to start that YouTube channel.”
This is a humorous way to make the point that it’s a bit absurd. And yet we still wait.
“Maybe, just maybe, my favorite [author / podcaster / athlete / entrepreneur / investor] will notice me and tell me I should follow in their footsteps,” is a comforting idea that keeps us safe. We wait for signs, titles, permission from people we admire and look up to.
But no one can tell you when the time is right. No one can declare the best use of your gifts.
The most beautiful part is the other side of the same principle: That means no one can stop you either.
In my experience, the best way to prove you’re ready is to do the work you’re not sure you’re ready for—quietly, calmly, without fanfare.
Let it speak for itself.
The people I admire most don’t downplay their gifts. But they also don’t inflate them. They just get to work.
Good work travels when it’s shared with the right people. And no one else gets to decide what that work is.
So if you’ve been waiting for a sign… maybe today’s the day you get started instead.
Questions to Apply This to Your Life
- What are your gifts, especially the ones you take for granted?
- What work do you know you need to do, but find yourself waiting to be tapped or anointed before you start?
- What’s the first step you can take to start now instead of later?
Before I send you on your way, I feel compelled to share this wonderful poem by David Whyte, Start Close In. It’s a wonderful companion as you consider the questions this week.
As always, I’m grateful for you. Thanks for being here.
Much love and respect,
