Today, I want to share a video with you. You might have already come across it, I've actually revisited it countless times. Every viewing leaves a profound impact on me, as well as those I've shared it with. 

And it is almost always the advice I need to hear. 

Recently, I was faced with an unexpected opportunity to give a talk on leadership for a pre-meeting at the annual conference of the Orthopedic Trauma Association. A friend, also both an orthopedic surgeon and coach, orchestrated this half-day symposium. 

The request itself was an honor, and I recognized the potential it held for networking, reaching a new audience, and honing my public speaking skills.

Oh, there’s the catch. Speaking in front of an audience. What am I thinking of? I hate giving talks. They remind me of having to participate in a presentation at Grand Rounds in Residency. You know the ones. The ones with all the sharks. Circling. Waiting. For the blood.

Did I mention it was to the Orthopedic Trauma Association OTA? The most intense surgeons of the ortho variety?

Also, what do I know about leadership? I’ve taken some classes/courses on it. I’ve read some books. But I’m not really a leader. 

Well, I admit I was kind of a leader in the OR for 25-plus years. And I suppose I was always a leader in my clinic. I also served as Chief of Surgery. And the Chief of Staff. And of course, there was that time I convinced the medical staff of my hospital that we needed to completely re-do the way Peer Review was conducted because we were doing a big thing badly.

Hmm. I guess I do have some leadership experience. 

So the real issue is that talking in this setting is definitely out of my comfort zone – a territory I don't particularly favor. Like at all. Some people thrive there. Not me. I thrive on learning stuff. On sharing what I’ve learned with…oh wait. This is my arena. And I need to step out into the ring.

So enjoy this video. Because this is the advice I need to hear. And it might be the advice you need to hear too.

Beyond the remarkable talent and irrepressible joy displayed, listen to the powerful message up front: Just step out because this is your moment and you have to step out into the ring.

You can watch the video here.

Click the button below for more information about coaching

More Musings