The performers with ease and grace scaled up the pole, and slowly outstretched their bodies parallel. The audience let out a breath of awe followed by applause.
While I was clapping along in amazement, I also had an arrogantly delusional thought “I could do that”.
The next day I had my chance. At the park I called my kids over to witness my Cirque du Soleil “mad skills”. I actually said mad skills. And I said it with a level of bravado that would make Kanye West seem modest.
With my hands securely in place, I began the outstretching process. I’m not sure exactly what happened, but in the blink of eye I went from holding the pole to face planting the wood chips.
As I sat spitting out dirt and wood, I was reminded that what looks effortless is often very difficult to replicate.
This holds true in leadership. The greatest leaders make it look easy, but it’s not until you try it yourself, do you realize the talent and skill required.