The Reins

I just found out that one project I worked on took 17 years to come to fruition. What we never saw at the time came true yesterday after 26 years.

Another project I left undone after six years and others are running with it and having some success.

I’ve learned a lot of things in my life. I wasn’t used to starting arguments and making enemies and was less than mature when I did start to make waves. Before that I always helped my family or my boss do better. In my off-hours I started volunteering and, yes, making waves for certain projects.

At one point I thought only I could orchestrate our vision and that led to meetings every night and weekend. At one point I had met my husband, he was dot-bombed and we needed to face life a new way. Everything I gave up that was worth continuing, continues, some limp along and others are strong under new leadership.

Everyone is replaceable in a viable organization, that’s why it’s viable. Dying institutions whose leaders won’t change ensure death for the organization, after limping along for several years. I didn’t learn as a consultant not to care about my clients. I cared too much and got involved and still gave good advice but now was “family” so had to give it up.

First I had to learn to fight, learn to live with the consequences, and learn to let go of the reins and see if the seeding and groundwork paid off. Leaving was the most painful thing I had to do, but seeing things work out is quite rewarding. Kudos to all, Dee