In a recent post, I asked whether you were a shadow or a beacon. I wanted to explore the area of those who look and learn compared to those who learn and lead.
There was no real right or wrong to either stance; simply a different approach. Sometimes being in the shadow works better than being a beacon; other times vice versa.
The post generated a great discussion and outlook in the comments section, and it reinforced why I always feel incredibly lucky to have such an amazing community around this blog. That you share such amazing insights with me and everyone else here – I’m always grateful.
One of the comments was from Sally G., who blogs over at SallyG.me. I thought the comment was perfect as a standalone blog post – so here it is. Enjoy.
I am sometimes a Shadow. I observe from a place where I?m not in the way, I maximize the light that is beamed by others and I determine the compatibility of what I see to what I believe will work for me.
I am sometimes a Beacon. I have shone bright for those who are where I once was, I illuminate my best practices, my valued resources, my key connectors and connections ? rendering them visible and accessible to all who may determine them an appropriate match too.
I am also all the nuances in-between ? flickering between shadow and light, much like the sky in the image you?ve chosen. Sometimes I?m a dark cloud that gets completely in the way of my own success ? blocking any light from shining. Until the point where I?ve built capacity, or confidence, or experience ? igniting my embers to the point where I?m blazing trails once again.
I am relatively new to Social Media. If not for the sanctity of the Shadows, I would not have been so quick to assess what seems to work, what seems more smoke and mirrors than real value, and what must be avoided at all costs. If not for the Beacons, well ? same assessment.
I feel that knowing your position in your Readiness and Values Spectrum will ultimately determine the role you take on in affecting the vision of others. When you have something of true value and significance to offer ? no Shadow can contain you. If your fuel is void of Integrity, Passion, Purpose and Value ? in time, your light will burn, or fizzle, out.
