Samu Chitsike CPA,CA’s Post

Diamonds in the rough-My #WiLDigital journey We’ve all seen it…a diamond that draws you in with beams of light glistening from every intentionally and painstakingly cut angle. When the diamond catches your eye, rarely do you consider the process which the original rock had to go through in order to get to the state which we all admire and are drawn to. It’s not glamorous, it takes a visionary to see something in the rough diamond which may not be obvious to everyone else. The cutter sees the potential that others may look at and not see anything impressive to capture their attention.  I am that diamond. The numerous leaders whom I’ve had the privilege of gleaning from have each, with the same intentionality and focus of an experienced diamond cutter, played a part in further unlocking my potential. I‘ve had many “Cutters” throughout my career, the latest being the Women in Leadership Program (WiL) #WiLDigital. WiL is an award-winning program that has taken my seemingly unconnected life experiences, ideas, values, strengths, weaknesses, passions and skillfully, like the diamond Cutter, put them together over a nine month journey to a destination I can only describe as truly empowering. I believe each stage of my career has mirrored some of the work and techniques that a diamond undergoes before it can be used for its intended purpose. Every #Mentor, every Coach, every #Sponsor that I have been fortunate to have in my life over the years has each done their part in identifying something valuable in me; many times before I could even see it in myself. Initially, I would think “why me?”... but then again, “why not me?”. I have what it takes. If you’re a people Manager in any setting or context, ask yourself if you’re taking time to notice the #potential in the people on your teams which you could further develop through being more intentional. Ask yourself if you’ve inadvertently looked someone over for a project, a stretch assignment or an opportunity because “they could do with more time, more polishing”. Are we leaving hidden gems on the table who could be great leaders, innovators, managers because we fail to notice the rarity and potential that lies in them?  Don’t get me wrong, the rough diamond needs to have the “raw goods”, be willing to put in the work, not be afraid of failure, be willing to take on challenges and seek out their own development. But each of us also have a responsibility to partner with those around us in creating an environment where people can be their best selves and bring out facets of themselves that will become a huge asset.  I have, in turn, had the privilege of partnering with numerous talented and hard-working individuals who’ve gone on to achieve remarkable milestones in their careers. We all play a critical role in being shaped by and shaping others. Play your part as a “Cutter”, then sit back and marvel at what people can become under the right conditions and how they’ll shine when the light hits them!