2CRUCIBLES SHAPE YOUR LEADERSHIP
The crucible is an essential element in the process of becoming a leader. Whatever is thrown at them, leaders emerge from their crucibles stronger and unbroken.
—Warren Bennis, On Becoming a Leader
Most of the leaders we interviewed were shaped by crucibles—the significant trials in their lives. Psychologist Abraham Maslow found that tragedy and trauma were the most important human learning experiences leading to self‐actualization. Crucibles teach people that life is uncertain, and they have limited control. Through crucibles, you learn life's most difficult lessons: that life is not always fair and that bad things can happen to good people.
This new reality empowers individuals to challenge old assumptions and understand they must demonstrate personal agency to deal with their world. On the other hand, crucibles can launch people into despair, crisis, and doubt. During a crucible, pain and suffering may overwhelm you. If you bury your crucible—if you refuse to face it—it can bury you too.
Your crucible can also catalyze a breakthrough in your life. When the façade of impressing the external world is stripped away, you become open to deeper introspection and a clearer understanding of your True North. With sufficient resilience, you can emerge from these challenges stronger and more authentic.
Ping Fu's life illustrates how leaders can overcome the most severe crucibles to make a difference through their leadership.
Ping Fu: Bend but Not ...
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