A Rising Tide Raises All Ships

Someone took my spot! I was SO annoyed. I have a very special and beautiful spot I love to run to at a river in Switzerland surrounded by nature, some rapids and even a few waterfalls!

I have used this spot to do some of my best thinking, praying, problem-solving, meditating for almost a year now. I have even used it to cool off and get refreshed for the run back. It is a great spot and just an awesome way to start the day!

I was at first annoyed and disappointed that someone took my spot. What did I do next?….I asked him to please move (in German) so that I can have my spot back, of course!

Kidding... I found another spot! It actually ended up being a fantastic spot and arguably, even better! I realize I would have missed out on this spot had I never had my favorite spot taken in the first place. 

It reminded me of how I felt when we first started our business consulting organization. I didn’t think there was room for us out in the marketplace. I knew I loved this work and wanted to do this but didn’t initially see a clear path forward on how we would ‘break into’ the industry. 

I have seen many leaders be first in line, but not selected for the new job, watch peers surpass them in career opportunities in a certain season, lose opportunities, experience what seems to be career set-backs, and the list goes on. It can be easy to get annoyed and frustrated and think ’someone took my spot’…but when you step back and look around, you realize there are MANY more spots that will work and possibly be even better than the spot you initially intended to have.

In relation to this, I’ll never forget powerful comments made at a women’s business conference I attended in Nashville. The speaker, Christy Wright, gave example after example that there is room for everyone, and everyone can help someone, everyone can find a spot in the vast and growing marketplace - and you start there!

One thing that Christy said that stuck with me is…

A RISING TIDE RAISES ALL SHIPS.'

We all gain more if we help one another and are for each other. We have received some of our best clients from other HR consulting agencies that offer services in the same space, for various reasons! We do our best to support and help them as well!

In reality, I no longer feel in competition with those that ‘play’ in the same space. The world is so big and there are so many in need of help and support - opportunities feel endless!

Even if you are in the same business/industry/etc., not everyone has your energy, your approach, your emotional intelligence - YOU bring something unique to the table that will work for some in the marketplace, and they will be truly blessed and better off for having worked with you (and you better off having worked with them, by the way)!
I have seen this same initial feeling of opportunity loss aka rip leaders apart and really gnaw at them. The follow-up I always give is stay in your lane, work on the feedback, keep your eyes on the prize and I deeply believe good will come of it and more opportunities (even better) will come!

My new 'spot' was on the other side of the river, across the bridge. As I ran back over the bridge, past my usual spot, I saw my ‘spot-robber’ take a sip of his coffee, close his eyes and look back up in a meditation position. It made me really happy to see someone else enjoy and seem to thrive in that spot! It even validated my spot selection abilities. :)
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When we keep our heads-up, stay open minded and have an abundance vs. scarcity mindset, this opens us up to many other ’spots’ and opportunities! It’s a great time of year to take a look around at all the potential great ‘spots' that may be waiting for you!

Author: ​Erika Butler, CEO

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