DIAMONDS AND LEADERSHIP
Metaphorically speaking we all start out, as a lump of coal. Most of us want to become diamonds, but we don’t necessarily want to go through the ‘process’ required to get us there. Instead of accepting our potential by letting ourselves be buried deep in the earth where heat and pressure can transform us into what we want to be, we stay on the surface where it’s easier. Some of us pretend to have gone through the process, but instead all we did was jump into a furnace (situation) of our choice, thinking that will be enough heat and pressure! Hey, who needs the pressure anyway? However, when we do that we only glow red for a while, then we burn up, just like carbon without the constant pressure can become soot, smoke or ash. So much for wanting to become a diamond! In simple words, when we short cut the process we put “form over substance” and we all know where that leads in the end. There are no shortcuts to becoming a good leader, only different speeds of development.
“The soul is placed in the body and it is like a rough diamond. It must be polished within, or the luster of the soul will never appear.” – Daniel Defoe
THOUGHTS
“I tend to get a little more philosophical each day as I get older. The diamond is probably my most philosophical (metaphorical)reference yet, but I also feel it is apropos for not only how we view leadership, but also how we view ourselves.” – Bo Carrington
For leaders to fulfill their purpose, the diamond within has to be excavated, cut and polished. That is the mission on which we find ourselves at BCA. We work to help organizations excavate, cut and polish the leadership capability within their organization.
The diamond represents our authentic self – who we really are. The unpolished flaws and cracks represent all our insecurities, self-doubts, fears – who we fear we are. And the thick layer of dust represents the self that we project to the world – who we pretend to be. Can you see your layers?
For many people, the personal sense of self-worth they portray is false – they’re looking at the painted-on dust and impurities instead of the diamond within themselves. That is usually because they fear that others could see their flaws. In the end, they keep that coating in attempt to “fake it till we make it”.
The second step in the process is excavation and cutting: clearing away the externals (old habits, ways of thinking & mental models) and allowing the brilliance of the diamond to emerge.
Once that is done, the leader needs to be rounded out and polished. Each event in that process allowing another facet of the brilliance in them to shine.
This process yields the completed diamond that radiates and beautifies this world and allows for more diamonds to be uncovered, as it requires diamonds to cut diamonds!
We believe great transformational works are always inside-out. Transformation for the diamond, starts deep within the element, not with the outer coatings that hide its potential brilliance. This type of transformation for a leader (lump of coal to diamond) is a deep learning created through self-discovery – an inner journey that brings out the best in the person.
The Inside-Out approach is less about changing what people see (I don’t deny that it can give you quick wins sometimes), it’s more about helping you to get out of the way of your brilliant self – your authentic self, understanding and working at the level that generates your behaviors.
As I’m deepening my understanding into the inside out approach of coaching and living, I encourage you to remember to “Shine bright like a diamond” and remember the diamond is not out there in the sky or deep within the earth, it’s inside you and me.
Simplicity – Diamonds are comprised of a singular element: Carbon. However, simplicity does not translate to ease. Like the carbon, each of us is subject to the elements. The leadership experience and expertise BCA bring enables clients to work through the pressures and heat of leadership as they bring forth and hone the diamond within.
Diamonds are one of the hardest natural substances in the world which means they are resilient. Much like our spirit and can-do attitude as it relates to the challenges our clients offer us to resolve. Because diamonds are the hardest substance, they also sometimes symbolize endurance or perseverance, the same of which is displayed in all that we do.
Diamonds are one of the hardest natural substances in the world which means they are resilient. Much like our spirit and can-do attitude as it relates to the challenges our clients offer us to resolve. Because diamonds are the hardest substance, they also sometimes symbolize endurance or perseverance, the same of which is displayed in all that we do.
Many ancient cultures believed that diamonds gave the wearer strength and courage during battle. Some kings wore diamonds on their armor as they rode into battle. Like the diamonds worn by many ancient cultures that entered the battle, we stand side-by-side with our clients as the enter the battlefields of their industries.
During the Middle Ages diamonds were thought to have healing properties able to cure ailments ranging from fatigue to mental illness. We become the healing diamonds for our clients. Whether to heal brokenness or strengthen areas of weakness, we provide the strength needed to help our clients achieve their goals.
Like some diamonds, there are a lot of “manufactured” service firms that promise great value. However, like a real diamond, the real value comes from its genuineness, not its perfection, and that genuineness can only occur through one process, a process that we happen to excel in!
OUR APPROACH
While our approach is unique based on the client, to call what we do different or new, would be an overstatement. What separates us from others is three words – Simplicity – Results – Execution. We live by that mantra and don’t work to impress, but do impress with our work.
OUR SCALABILITY
BCA maintains a small core group of independent consultants that each have unique strengths, but share a similar belief as it relates to how our job is to be done. Our footprint can be expanded four-fold within days as we have standing agreements in place with several other reputable, qualified and experienced firms and independent consultants.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
BCA works to help organizations excavate, cut and polish the leadership capability within their organization. The diamond represents our authentic self – who we really are. We believe great transformational works always begin from the inside-out. It works at the layer of the real diamond. It’s a deep learning of self-discovery – an inner journey that brings out the best in you.
OUR DIFFERENCE
However, unlike a diamond, BCA Executive Consultants does not represent expense or require significant investment. We base our fees on the value that we KNOW we can create. That is one of the unique things about our commercial practice, there are no daily rates. While our public sector clientele require a different pricing approach, our fees still incorporate the value contribution we KNOW we can create.
