Today, I have to call out someone for the real life mistakes he makes: me.
No joke here.
I don’t sit on any pedestal.
Now, I know my leadership theory and understand business and management. I can teach communications. Generally speaking, I can convey important concepts and inspire people to make important change. That’s my job.
But I am far. from. perfect.
I live in the same world you do, and my work is just one part of my story. I’m not nearly as perfect in my story as I wish I were.
I make mistakes as a parent, as a friend, family member, and neighbor… and I live with the consequences.
I once got accused by a program participant of having a charmed life, which made me laugh. I’ve never said I have it hard—my life is a gift. The opportunities I have are gifts. I recognize the advantages I have, as well as my obligation to use them.
But that doesn’t mean I always get it right.
One of the reasons I focus my clients on the practical application of theory, as opposed to teaching them the theory itself, is that I know from experience that theoretical awareness merely gives you the ability to watch yourself make mistakes in real time and understand—also in real time—the hole you’re digging for yourself. Pretty useless skill, if you ask me. Better is to set up those emotional triggers that will allow you to maximize the gifts you have and practice learning how to use them.
Which is to say, if you’ve ever wondered, “Hey, do those leadership people—the ones who make it so easy to solve interpersonal problems—ever find themselves responsible for creating an uncomfortable situation,” wonder no more.
The answer—at least in the case of me—is, admittedly, “Yes.”
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I'm Jason. I make people shine. My mission is to help 1 million people tell their stories better. 
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If you do have a charmed life, then you worked for it. Gifts are rare.
@Thomas—Gifts are rare, but not impracticable. I’m lucky.