Discomfort Isn’t a Dealbreaker—It’s a Doorway
In my work coaching leaders and teams, I often hear this request:
“We want change, but please don’t make anyone uncomfortable.”
I get it—discomfort feels risky. It can mean awkward conversations, new habits or stepping into the unknown. But here’s what experience has taught me: meaningful growth almost always comes wrapped in discomfort. If you’re not feeling a bit uneasy, chances are you’re not stretching enough.
Think about your own biggest moments of growth. Maybe it was a tough conversation, a new role, or trying something unfamiliar. It probably wasn’t easy or neat, but it pushed you beyond the familiar and into new possibilities. That feeling of discomfort isn’t a stop sign—it’s a signal.
Discomfort is a doorway, not a dealbreaker. When teams lean into the uncomfortable—whether it’s rethinking a policy, owning a blind spot, or having that courageous conversation—they’re building muscle for real leadership. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. But it’s also where real progress happens.
That tension helps us pause, listen more closely and reflect deeply. It might reveal that someone felt unheard in a meeting, or that a process isn’t as fair as it could be, or spark questions about the culture we’re truly creating. These moments aren’t easy, but they’re necessary.
If your aim is growth—creating workplaces where people belong and thrive—discomfort will come knocking. That’s not a problem, it’s a sign you’re moving. You’re experimenting. You’re leading.
So next time you feel discomfort, don’t push it away. Get curious. What is it trying to teach you? What opportunity lies just beyond? Let’s stop waiting for everything to feel comfortable before we act. Instead, let’s invite discomfort in—and lean into the work that really matters.