Middle school is awkward.   There is only one thing that trumps the awkwardness of middle school:  the Middle School Dance!  Remember those?  I know, I’ve tried to forget too.  Sadly the terrible smell of a gymnasium wafting with the blended scents of body odor and way too much of Dad’s Old Spice cologne is seared into my consciousness.

So many young leaders are driven to progress as fast as they possibly can, only to wonder why they can’t move faster.  While I admire this drive and welcome it on my team, I see discouragement settle into these leaders.  In an attempt to provide some relief, here are a couple of questions to ask yourself as you strive to be given more responsibility and authority in your space.