My coach told me to stop after “That’s a great idea …” and not add “but if it were me I’d do it this way.” She said I had an issue with power and control. So I applied this wise perspective to my cat. Basically, if he is in a hepped-up, anxiety-ridden mode from watching squirrels, it’s probably best to allow him to come down naturally, not try and hold him or cuddle, because this will more than likely lead to certain bites and definitely blood. I took Basic Acting in college because I heard it was an easy A* and the guy teaching the class made me play Lenny** in a scene from Mice and Men. This is the guy who accidently kills a small animal because he loved it too much (he overwhelmingly petted his puppy … sad). Anyway, over power and over control is really never a good thing.
So as a person who struggles with patience and “sense of urgency” I am trying to put all of this into practice. Dr. Whitters gave an awesome talk years ago on servant leadership – “traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the ‘top of the pyramid.’ By comparison, the servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first, and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible.” We try and do this and I hope it shows, but honestly, traditional leadership is easier, but I know, it doesn’t last – who wants to work for a tyrant? Servant leadership is definitely the way to go … it’s harder, but …
Perhaps it was in church or perhaps it was a speaker, but I remember a talk on what makes an awesome leader. The story was about being the leader, being the example in their actions and deeds, and sometimes if nothing else works, words might be needed. Basically, if I own a fitness center, I should probably work out there. If I own a restaurant, I should probably eat there. If I preach Standards of Behaviors, I should probably follow them. Being a good leader, parent, pet owner, friend starts with being the loving example of what you want to see in your staff, kids, cat and friends.
*I got a B
**The big guy who wasn’t all there (I felt it was type casting … he didn’t like me.)
