The Man In The Arena
Not long after I commenced my journey at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar - my boss introduced me to a quote written by Roosevelt known as the 'The Man in the Arena'. I had never heard it before.
The "Man in the Arena" quote by Roosevelt is incredibly powerful, especially in the context of personal growth, resilience, and leadership. The words serve as a reminder of the strength that comes from being in the arena, facing challenges head-on.
The analogy of the arena as a metaphorical space where we confront challenges, demonstrate bravery, and live into our values resonates deeply. It's a reminder that these arenas, whether they're new roles, learning experiences, or challenging situations, are where growth happens, even if they can be overwhelming or confusing at times.
I often revisit this quote, not only do I find the words inspiring and empowering but it provides a reminder that when things are getting tough in our arenas to be kind to ourselves - we are actually the ones doing the work, demonstrating vulnerability, bravery, courage, living into our values. We will fall at times, be disappointed and be judged, it would be naive of us to think otherwise.
Recently reading Brene Brown’s ‘Daring Greatly’ and ‘Dare to Lead’ books, I was delighted to find out she refers to Rossevelt’s 'The Man in the Arena' in her teachings. Brown says "the arena particularly during dark and hard moments when we’re trying to be really brave, can be confusing and overwhelming: distractions, noise, a rapidly blinding Exit sign that promises immediate relief from the discomfort, and the cynics in the stands".
So what might an arena look like? Well it doesn’t have to be literal, like the Colosseum. An arena can be anything- a place, a situation, a team, small, large, long or short term, and at times they can be confrontational, confusing and overwhelming. Recent arenas for me have been moving schools, starting a new role, establishing EAs in Education, learning how to be better a leader, speaking in public and improving my English literacy skills.
In Brown’s 'Dare to Lead', she talks about armoured leadership versus daring leadership. How as leaders do we put down the armour and be more of a daring leader? Well, we need to step into our arenas, take off the armour, put down the weapons, show up and let ourselves be seen. Brown’s 16 specific examples on this topic include many valuable takeaways.
If you are navigating a difficult arena at the moment, thinking it's too hard or you feel like giving up, I hope that in sharing Roosevelt’s quote might bring you some affirmation, confidence, belief in yourself and to remember you are the person who is actually in the arena facing the challenges and obstacles head on – do not let the critics' voices overshadow the courage it takes to step into that space.
Keep embracing the arena, continuing to learn, grow, and lead with authenticity and courage!
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