Magpies

A client was struggling with feelings that he’d been overlooked by his supervisors. Plagued by feelings that he was doing something wrong, he wondered why colleagues were being chosen to lead efforts that he was equally, if not more, qualified to take charge of. What was going on? He admitted to feeling a bit jealous of his colleagues. They had something bright and shiny, and he wanted it too.

We began to dig into those feelings. What did it mean that he was being overlooked? What information did he need to gather in order to understand the situation? Who did he need to get that information from?

In the course of our conversation, it became clear that he was being groomed for another leadership role. One that he had expressed particular interest in. Suddenly, he didn’t seem invisible. And he gained tremendous clarity about how he needed to focus his time and energy to make the most of the opportunities that were being made available.

We’re all part magpie: attracted to shiny things that are just out of reach. Sometimes the glittery thing that catches our eye is exactly what we need to see to grow. Other times, it’s simply a distraction.

What’s catching your eye today? Is it valuable, or just a bauble that will pull you off course? How do you tell the difference? And how will you act accordingly?