I'm sure you have heard the phrase that "water seeks its own level." While this may be true for water, this expression is most often used to describe people and how we end up with those that are at our same level, be that income, lot in life, intelligence, common interests, class, etc..., And this would seem to be true when we describe friendships or personal relationships. However, this is not always the case when describing business relationships and how we end up in a profession or career that challenges us and inspires growth or change.

Each position I have held has typically been more difficult than the one prior. And maybe this is just me, but in order for me to have a full and balanced life, it actually has to be slightly askew. Sounds funny and not quite right, eh? Well, neither am I. I have always gravitated toward leaders and managers (employers) that were excellent at what they did. I never saw their leadership as a way to keep me down or stifled as many might feel. I thrive on the challenge presented by wisdom and intelligence - whether it be core or learned.

This is the reason I believe that finding your own level when it comes to "following a leader" might be just a bit detrimental and a setback when it comes to your own personal progression. The challenge presented by working for someone or with someone that drives excellence, either out of necessity or by their very nature, is infectious but, unfortunately, not for everyone.

When I made the switch from healthcare search to tech, it was a big jump, a huge challenge. There were days when I wondered what the heck was I thinking. Then there were days when I leapt forward in my understanding and development. Those were the days that made it worth my while, when the Phoenix I was following flew just low enough that I could actually touch him and gain strength from that contact. 

As humans, when we stop craving growth or stop learning, we fail at the simplest function that sets us apart from all other animals. Our ability to think and alter course because we can strategize, not just blindly follow the pack or the smell of blood, allows for a beneficial erudition, one that causes us to seek a greater level, avoiding stagnation. A Phoenix cannot reside in pond scum, swatting at mosquitoes, so don't look for one there.

© by rayannethorn

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