The Pursuit of Progress

Organizational, societal and political progress can feel slow and exhausting. And in 2020 those on the working end of that progress have needed a North Star to stay encouraged and energized.

As I’ve fielded an unprecedented amount of requests for guidance from black and brown leaders, and the organizations that have the privilege of hosting them as team members, I’ve re-ignited my passion around what I call Empowered Action.

Empowered Action is the pursuit of progress in the presence of imperfection and uncertainty. As I look back, it has been one of the anchors of my leadership journey as I have worked to make a difference and an impact.

Hallmarks of Empowered Action

• Empowered Action understands the nuance of ally-ship and friendship

• Empowered Action values the co-existence of patience and progress

• Empowered Action learns the language of her detractors

• Empowered Action sees opportunity where others see obstacles

• Empowered Action repurposes cause-exhaustion into mission-momentum

• Empowered Action doesn’t happen in a vacuum

• Empowered Action champions the efforts of by-standers

• Empowered Action plants her own seeds and helps to harvest the fruit of others

• Empowered Action knows how to encourage herself and others

• Empowered Action is diplomatic and clear

• Empowered Action is compelling and compassionate

• Empowered Action is fueled by purpose and unmoved by pessimism

• Empowered Action is emotionally intelligent and intellectually resilient

• Empowered Action is always aware that progress is relative

• Empowered Action sees ambiguity as an indicator, not a institution

What I have experienced in my own life and career is that Empowered Action is a tool. Every application is different, and some applications require multiple attempts.

And like any tool, Empowered Action can be taught and become the mark of mastery.