The clerk in the beach souvenir shop, Jocelyn, had sad eyes and a timeworn look yet was quite willing to talk.

She described her “former life” as having been a “rock star” within her industry, a “force to be reckoned with” for 25 years.  Then her company changed hands.

The new leadership team measured success in ways that Jocelyn could not nor would not accept. She openly confronted her superiors, determined to convince them she was right. She declined all offers to discuss compromises or even to better understand the new measures, saying that the newcomers should be willing to listen to her counsel that was rooted in years of experience.

Jocelyn said she was shocked the day they let her go, said she never saw it coming.

Given a generous severance package and the services of an executive coach, she had the luxury of time. Jocelyn and the coach met weekly for three months. During those 90 days, Jocelyn said the coach did not have one acceptable idea for her to try. The coach reluctantly agreed to a second 90-day period.

After six months, Jocelyn said there still wasn’t any job offers or any other employment options that were acceptable given her former status. So she stopped seeing the coach and moved to the beach town where she had enjoyed vacations as a child.

Losing your leadership wings

Ten years later, she is still in that little town, spending her days as a clerk in the souvenir shop. The shopper asks Jocelyn if she had thought about volunteering, being a mentor, even teaching.

Jocelyn’s whispered answer: “no, it’s just easier this way.”

Do you know any leaders who have lost their wings and ability to fly?

What advice would you offer them so they can find their leadership wings and fly once again?

Image source before quote:  morgueFile.com