Growth Is In The Discomfort

“You are wrong, sir. The way you are evaluating our solution is flawed and not correct.” I challenged the Bank General Manager during the commercial negotiation. I could sense the mood in the room tensing as I confronted him.
 
When starting out in technology sales, I was advised never to challenge high-ranking officials on their assumptions. They don’t like it and will most likely scuttle the transaction. And here I was, completely ignoring that advice and doing something that made me feel awkward and even momentarily regretful.
 
The risky tack I took worked, and the General Manager was happy to consider an alternative view that eventually helped us get into a great partnership with the client. More importantly, I also learned that it is ok to challenge someone as long as I can do it gracefully.
 
I was reminded of that client conversation when I came across this passage in Adam Grant’s latest book, Hidden Potential- The Science of achieving greater things.

How true this is. My best days are when I knowingly show up to do something new and differently. There is a special feeling that fortifies us when we know we are taking a risk and could fail badly, and we still show up and try. Being vulnerable and doing something outside your comfort is a powerful measure of courage and is perhaps the biggest lever of personal growth.