Transformation: Your relational GPS
Have you ever found yourself truly lost, unsure of where to turn? With modern technology at our fingertips, it’s a rare experience today. But imagine the days before GPS, when being lost meant asking for directions or trusting your instincts to find your way. Navigating then meant relying on printed directions or an atlas, and getting lost was part of the journey. You could see it as an inconvenience or an opportunity. The same is true in life, especially in leadership.
Getting lost offers a chance for transformation. It forces us out of our comfort zones and opens our eyes to new experiences and perspectives. When you’re focused only on reaching the destination, the journey becomes just a transaction, simply point A to point B without noticing what’s around you. But if you allow yourself to be open, to explore, the journey becomes transformational.
This concept applies directly to our relationships as leaders. Relationships can go stale or sour, and we can lose our way. Maybe we’ve taken a wrong turn and responded poorly, failed to use discretion with our words, or drifted away in search of something new. We find ourselves in a relational desert, unsure of which way to go. The choice arises: will this be transformational or transactional?
In every circle of influence—family, friends, colleagues—we face these crossroads. A transactional approach might have us push through, assuming we know the right direction. We power through conversations and decisions, missing the potential for a deeper connection. We become accidental leaders, moving forward but never truly having influence.
But what if we paused? What if, instead of rushing ahead, we took a moment to seek direction? This is where transformation happens. By stepping back and reassessing, we open ourselves to new perspectives and possibilities. It requires getting out of our comfort zones, perhaps saying or doing things we’re not used to—being vulnerable. Vulnerability is key to transformation in relationships. Brené Brown said, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
Consider your own life. Where have you become transactional? Where do you power through, missing opportunities to connect, to grow, to transform? Look around. Maybe it’s your family, your coworkers, or even yourself. Transformation requires intentionality. It means risking vulnerability, asking for help, or simply pausing to see who is around you. True growth comes from connection, from relationships, from seeing the world—and the people in it—with fresh eyes.
This week, I challenge you to pause. Look at the people around you. Ask yourself, “How can I be more transformational in my relationships?” Where can you risk being vulnerable and invite others into a journey of growth and change? In leadership, as in life, it’s not just about getting from one point to another. It’s about the journey—and who we become along the way. Let’s choose transformation over transaction and see where the path takes us.
Dustin contributes monthly on topics around Leadership, Influence, and Relational Intelligence. If you're a leader who understands that developing your team's culture is key to growth and profits, connect with Dustin Fenton at Piton Coaching. Dustin specializes in transforming organizational cultures and maximizing team performance. Reach out at www.pitoncoaching.com or on LinkedIn @DustinFenton and @PitonCoaching. Join Dustin and other culture-focused leaders at the upcoming Leadercore BNA event in Nashville, TN on September 19th, 2024. Secure your spot today and register here - bit.ly/LeadercoreBNA-Sep24
