I googled imitation flies and found out there are thousands of them. There are dry flies, wet flies, nymph flies, terrestrial flies (scary), etc. Who knew fish could be so picky? People who expertly fly fishing get this. They understand the importance of the water, fish, flies, equipment and conditions. They have distinctions.
However, from where I sit, I often see leaders using a fly fishing approach that is ineffective. They move fast like an imitation fly skipping the surface of the water, getting cast out, over and over. They aren’t slowing down to fish deep and they aren’t necessarily noticing the distinctions of their environment to reflect on what may need to change in their approach. A leader’s river, landscape, or whatever metaphor they choose to use, must always be scanned or they won’t be attuned to their own leadership. Sometimes slowing down to notice is a critical first step.
I will never have distinctions specific to fly fishing. I really only watched the movie because Brad Pitt was in it. However, as a leadership coach, my profession requires me to have certain distinctions around coaching and leadership or I lose my relevance and credibility. This requires me to stay in constant learning with peers and professional groups to help me deepen my practice and my distinctions.
What distinctions do you need to further refine in your professional role? How will you start?