The blade does not become sharper by announcing itself.

LEADERSHIP

WHAT THIS MEANS

Capability is a matter of preparation, not declaration. Announcing what you are capable of adds nothing to the capability and removes the advantage of not being expected. It also tends to substitute for the work, since the recognition arrives early and the incentive to continue quietly drops. Sharpness is made in private.

When you feel the urge to tell people what you can do, use it as a prompt to practise instead. Let the demonstration be the announcement. It arrives later and it does not have to be believed.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

What are you announcing that would work better done quietly?

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