09/24/2025
I drew this acorn. Do you like it?
I’m a freshly minted art student. An earnest, but slightly out of practice one! With my pencils and notepad in tow, I eagerly stepped into Drawing for Beginners at This acorn is what I drew.
Fortunately, there is no grade at Baker Hunt, just lovely, Ms. Sarah encouraging me to watch my proportions and deepen the shaded areas. ✏️
As a coach, I regularly encourage my clients to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. Not just for the sake of change, but to grow toward the person they want to be. It may take a few times to get the hang of things, but trying something you’re not good at immediately challenges every part of us. Especially my superstars.
As a leader, we are required to do all the right things - even if we’re uncomfortable doing them. That means shining a light on others, publicly telling people how awesome they are, sharing their successes, being vulnerable when we aren’t confident, making space for new people at our table, admitting when we’re wrong, being bold in our vision, seeking to understand in tough situations.
While drawing an acorn was a fun and non intimidating activity, sharing it on social media is vulnerable. I’m not good at drawing - yet!
This post is for you who try to draw the acorn, get close, miss the mark and try again. Some leaders make their job look easy, but it’s not. It always requires hard work, self reflection and honesty. And as my art teacher says, step away and look at the bigger picture. That’s what coaching and professional development offer. A time to step away and refine the edges.
Thanks for taking a look at my drawing. It’s even okay if you laughed at it. I did too. I’m going to keep trying. Who knows, next week, we may draw an oak tree! Stay tuned!
When was the last time you tried something new?
Check out my blog Rookie Mindset - link in bio.
