Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone is Required

If someone wants to take a picture with me, I will always say yes. But if you ask me to take my picture by myself, I approach that with dread. I am always struck by the fact that I want to be a leader and still don’t want people to focus so much on me. Part of that is that I simply want to create a space where you can do your best work. I truly believe that while I am accountable to point the direction, and keep us aligned going in the right direction, it is not all about me. I think the pictures and other recognition that comes from the title CEO is at odds with what I truly believe about the work of the many.

Earlier this month, I had to get out of my comfort zone. Fresh out of training on how to be an effective advocate, I was contacted to speak on TV. That is definitely a form of having your picture taken. I know this subject really well. I have studied and practiced. Still, I approached this with some dread because they were going to take my picture.

My husband is one of my greatest supporters in life. He is also a very clear critic. He wondered that morning why I wore my light blue jacket, one he actually likes. Later I told him I might be on TV, so there he was glued to the 6 o’clock news, albeit a few minutes late. He missed the whole segment!

I heard first that I missed the interview from a woman I worked with ten years ago. She sent me a Facebook message, thanking me for speaking up and thanking me for the support I gave her ten years ago! Amazing. Now I have a new Facebook friend.

I received the video clip the next day. I didn’t look. I just started asking people for feedback, including comments from my husband. His first remark was, “oh now I understand why you wore that nice blue jacket, you look good in blue.” BTW he has already told Aurora to wear white! He then said that he was disappointed that I did not mention KenCrest. In fact, I had mentioned it during the interview. That part of the interview was edited out. He did say that I sounded like a Medicaid expert. Yeah me!

We all have comfort zones. When we take a stand for something, or someone, we will, at some point, need to move out of it. We will be called to move into a place where people can see and hear what matters most to us and to those who depend on us. I am glad I stepped out of my comfort zone. I imagine it will happen again. I am ready.

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