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The Juggler is the person you hand something to and never think about again—but they’re also the person carrying a load nobody around them can fully see. The relentless capability of this WorkStyle powers the Juggler’s ability to hold more than most people can track and pivot on the turn of a dime, but it’s also powered by an isolating belief that “It’s all on me.” In this episode, Joel and Marissa dive into what makes the Juggler tick, why they’re a crucial part of our teams, and where they’re most likely to get stuck. Then they sit down with three Jugglers to talk about how it plays out at work and at home, and how they’re learning to work with the way they’re wired.
Key Takeaways
- Jugglers Scan the Horizon. Being a Juggler means you’re always at the ready for whatever's coming next. You’re used to life coming at you fast, and you’ve always trusted yourself (and really, no one else) to handle it. Now, you’re not the only one counting on you—lots of other people are, too. That’s a lot to juggle.
- Your Double-Edged Sword: Capability. Your capability makes you exceptional. You carry more at once than most people could track, you adapt quickly and without drama, and you’re the most resourceful person in the room when something doesn’t go according to plan. That’s also what leaves you exhausted, stuck with a mental load that never lightens or turns off.
- The Cost Compounds Over Time. You’ve built a life where everything relies on you. The result? Your own rest and desires get perpetually deferred. You white-knuckle instead of asking for help, leaving you stretched thin and profoundly alone. Over time, life becomes a series of trials to survive rather than an experience to enjoy.
- Invest in Receiving Help. Handing something off costs you time, communication, and trust—which is exactly why you keep doing it yourself. Ask for help anyway, and let someone else take a turn at thinking ahead. This week’s challenge: pick one thing you’re carrying and spend the time it takes to hand it off well.
- Decide What to Set Down. Not everything is created equal, not everything has to happen now, and not everything has to be done by you. Know what’s uniquely yours, what drives results, and what matters now. That helps you decide what to set down.
Special Thanks: To Claudia V., Monica V., and Crissy M. for the generosity of their time and insight as episode interviewees.
Resources
This episode was produced by Sarah Vorhees Wendel of VW Sound
