Inch by Inch

I read a great article over the weekend about kids with allergies.  

The number of kids out there with food allergies has skyrocketed since I was growing up 30 years ago.  It seems like allergies are being perpetuated because of our unnatural need for cleanliness.  I feel that some day Purell is going to be sued for causing an epidemic.  The thesis discussed in the article (which is working!) is that exposure in very small amounts to known allergens builds up immunity and can be expanded until the point that the child is able to eat the item to which she/he was once allergic.  I hope this therapy continues to develop and helps kids whose lives are being controlled by food allergies. 

In business, we so often think that something can’t be accomplished only because it’s what we have been told, just like the kids who have been told they can never eat peanuts again.  I am a huge believer in breaking pre-conceived limits and making the impossible happen. I support it in my organization and have witnessed great triumphs when people forget about limitations.

Sometimes the results need to be accomplished in tiny increments, like the way the doctor in the article works with her patients with very small doses before adding more.  When someone in my organization achieves a small goal or deal, they then feel confident to move ahead and take on bigger challenges exponentially.  Before you know it, they are accomplishing the impossible.

It is the job of the leader to push team members out of their comfort zones into areas where they may fail, provide a safety net and encouragement if they do get stung, and then get them back out there testing limits little by little.