The Oak Inside The Acorn

As the year ends, what if you allowed yourself to reflect on the oak inside the acorn? Take a peek at your true self. What makes that oak grow? What lies within you when all the noise is set aside?

Don't be fooled. You won't find a title or a target. Instead, you'll find a set of values unique to you. The things that make you tick. What you uniquely have, and I don't.

When I worked for Diageo, I had to take a skills assessment, a series of questions designed to classify my skills and group me into a place where I could better understand myself.

In my top three was Arranger.

I was so annoyed. I didn't want to be good at organising events, bringing people together, arranging. I wanted Strategic Thinker. That was where the glory was. Being a Strategic Thinker meant I was clever and sought after.

I could predict what would happen. The boss saying, "give it to Sal. She's good at sorting those things." All those projects getting dumped on me because of my organisational skills. So, I avoided being noticed for the very thing that came effortlessly to me. Instead, I headed up Risk. Anyone who knows me well will frown, possibly even laugh, at me thinking this was a good fit.

What if I had owned that part of myself that came easily and created from it?

Instead of focusing on how other people would see it, I missed the opportunity to make it my own. A lot has changed. How wonderful my Arranger is as I coach teams, create retreats, lead and facilitate mastermind groups. And yes, an appreciation of Risk is no bad thing, but it was a hard slog.

I believe that we shine when we are aligned and doing our best work, aligned with our values.

So, back to you, the oak. What is held inside? What is inside you, desperate to be seen and heard? What could you create from?

These are the things I will reflect on as the year closes. What makes me unique? What edges do I have that need some attention? What wisdom do I have to share and create from?

How about you?

What do you hear others say about you that makes you, you?

What do you remember spending your time and energy on when you were young?

What mattered to you then, and how are you cherishing and nurturing this side of yourself in your older years?

Maybe use these questions when you plan your 2022. Think about how you can nurture the oak tree that grows inside you.

P.s  Perhaps if I'd had a coach help me understand this assessment, I could’ve seen the strengths and limitations at the time. When we start coaching, too many people say to me, " Oh yes, I have this report from work. I have no idea what it really means. It was just a tick-box exercise with no follow-up."

Coaching helps you see what it all means.