Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
– Robert Frost
Daily, we encounter a split in our path: one route is easy, the other challenging. The guidepost at this juncture is character.
Character is often described as the sum of our actions when we are alone. It shapes our decisions and propels our deeds, which in turn, fuel our endeavors and outcomes.
The temptation to follow the crowd and do the bare minimum is ever-present. Yet, there are moments to stand out, driven by ambition and desire to excel.
This raises a question: Is it possible to streamline our efforts without compromising results, and without depriving ourselves of the growth from our experiences?
There is indeed a delicate equilibrium here, blending art with science.
Ironically, there are instances where taking a shortcut is the prudent choice. It’s not about haphazardly skipping steps, but about consciously defying conventions.
It involves the courage to move beyond the past, particularly when conventional wisdom no longer holds.
Leadership, akin to life, is not straightforward. It’s a journey filled with teachings in every turn, with the most significant insights often gained on the longer, winding path.
At life’s crossroads, the path we choose varies. Yet, in moments of uncertainty, we let our character lead the way.
That is how we discover our less trodden path.
My Thursday reflections, inspired by Gary Burnison.
Korn Ferry CEO.
