I was watching part of the movie Finding Nemo with my boys. I had been frustrated that day wanting something of value to 
write in this blog. Nemo’s dad, Marlin, and Dory are inside the whale and an intense conversation occurred.
Marlin was holding on to Dory preventing her from falling into the throat of the whale when Dory said something critical. “It’s time to let go, everything is going to be alright.”
Isn’t this the tension leaders continually have? In times of adversity or crisis this tension is felt even stronger.
Letting Go
What is it we are holding onto? I can think of multiple times in life where I wanted to hold onto the past because it was safe, familiar, and comfortable. What is familiar may not be what is best. In times of adversity and change we often must let go of the familiar to move toward the next normal.
What is safe may simply be comfortable. I remember a nineteen-year-old car I drove that was comfortable, but many would have questioned the safety. When I finally let go of that car the next normal was much better. The question is what do we need to let go of to embrace the next and oftentimes better normal?
Holding On
I would suggest often what keeps us holding on is the desire for control. We want to feel in control. This is a way we deal with our own fears or insecurities. The fear of the unknown is one of the greatest.
Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar, in his book Creativity Inc discusses fear and its relationship to trust which I would suggest is a key to what keeps us holding on. He says:
“Fear and trust are powerful forces, and while they are not opposites, exactly, trust is the best tool for driving out fear.”
In order to let go we have to be able to trust others. In the movie Marlin had to let go of trying to protect his son and trust that Nemo was capable. In leadership we often must let go of the need to have it done our way and fear that it won’t be done right. Instead, trust those we lead will accomplish the goal we defined.
Courageously Move Ahead
That which Marlin feared greatest . . . the unknown ocean, was what he had to face to reach the goal of saving his son. In order to move ahead into the unknown, leaders often must face what they fear. Marlin had one thing we all must have to succeed as leaders.
Community.
All along the journey he had Dory by his side and many others along the way who helped him reach his destination. As we lead courageously into the unknown, we need those around us who will be thinking partners and support to keep moving ahead.
What about you? Is there something you are attached to that is holding you from moving ahead into the unknown and leading to your full potential? Who is around you to help you lead in trust and not fear? If I can help you in any way, please contact me. In the meantime, lead courageously and lead well.
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