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The Activated Leader™ | Issue #31
IN THIS ISSUE: Clarity doesn't come from more information. It comes from commitment. Learn why research has become your hiding place and how to set a deadline that forces movement.
A VP I worked with:
A VP I worked with had talked to three coaches, taken six assessments, and spent fourteen months "getting clear."
She could tell me her Enneagram type, her StrengthsFinder top 5, and her MBTI designation.
But when I asked what she was actually going to DO, she said:
"I'm still figuring it out."
I gave her 21 days.
On day 22, she had to pick.
No more research.
No more options.
Just a decision.
She picked.
And within 90 days, she was in a new role she actually wanted.
The clarity didn't come from more information.
It came from commitment.
What I’ve Learned Coaching Leaders
Here's what I've learned coaching dozens of leaders through transitions:
You're not unclear.
You're uncommitted.
The 4 Stages of Activation helps you stop using research as a delay tactic - so you can commit to the clarity you already have - without needing perfect certainty before you move.
This is Stage 2: ALIGN
Stage 2: Align
Commit to what you want - not what you should want.
You've acknowledged the truth (Stage 1).
You know something needs to change.
Should you stay and negotiate?
Leave for a competitor?
Start your own thing?
Go back to school?
Pivot industries?
Take a sabbatical?
Every option feels both right and wrong. So you keep researching.
You're stuck here if
You've talked to 3+ people about your "transition" but haven't made a single move
You keep adding options instead of eliminating them
You're waiting for "one more data point" before deciding
You can't define what "sure" would actually look like
The Cost
Every week you spend researching is a week someone else is building. The role you're "thinking about" is being filled by someone who decided faster.
Your one move this week:
Set a commitment deadline.
21 days.
On day 22, pick the option that makes you most afraid and most alive. That's the one.
But First - a Question for You
What's the one option you keep coming back to - even when you try to talk yourself out of it?
Hit reply and tell me. I read every response, and I'll reply within 48 hours.
That's probably the one.
Find Your Stage
You don't need more clarity. You need commitment.
Take the Stage 2 Assessment: Are you researching or hiding?
(Instant access, no download needed)
You'll discover:
→ If you're stuck in analysis or ready to commit
→ The exact question that reveals your real choice
→ Your commitment deadline and what happens on day 22
Quick Poll:
Help me understand where you're stuck (takes 5 seconds):
How many options related to your transition are you actively considering?
(I'll share the results next week)
WIN A $25 GIFT CARD 🎁
Post this insight on LinkedIn (copy/paste below, tag me @lilahjones):
The leaders who stay stuck longest have one thing in common:
They keep adding options instead of eliminating them.
They call it "being thorough."
It's actually hiding.
Clarity doesn't come from more research.
It comes from commitment.
Set a deadline. Pick the option that makes you most afraid and most alive.
That's usually the one you've known all along.
What are you still researching that you already know the answer to?
(h/t @lilahjones for the 4 Stages of Activation)
Why post this?
You're positioning yourself as someone who makes decisions, not someone who endlessly researches them
Your network needs this insight (someone's been "getting clear" for a year)
This kind of post gets you noticed by the right people - senior leaders, recruiters, decision-makers who value bold thinking
I'll send 3 people $25 Amazon gift cards by Monday.
Deadline: Saturday 11:59pm PT
Copy. Paste. Tag me. Done.
NEXT WEEK: STAGE 3 - ACTIVATE
You've decided. Now you're stalling.
I'll show you how to make it irreversible - so you can't talk yourself out of it.
Until then, pick one option.
WAYS I CAN SUPPORT YOU OR YOUR TEAM
Not sure which is right? Reply to this email and I'll send you personalized guidance (no pitch, just direction).
1:1 Transition Coaching
Navigate your career decision with clarity and courage
6 weeks, 3 frameworks, one clear decision. For leaders ready to stop managing and start deciding.
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2. Keynote Speaking
Bring "The Activated Leader" to your next event
Transform stuck teams into activated teams in 60-90 minutes.
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3. Leadership Workshop
Activate your team to move from stuck to focused action
Build decisive leaders who take courageous action, not endless meetings.
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