What’s your leadership story?
I have to constantly check-in with how I'm doing as a dad. As the kids get older, I worry my dad skills are declining. In fact I know they so. But, I'm determined that this is not going to be my story. I've had a leadership story for a long time but this week I had the chance to re-write my story while co-conducting a corporate leadership workshop. I chose to include family and community in my story. Essentially I am what one might call a natural leader – pushing others into the foreground while I remain in the background. Unfortunately this isn't always great for ones career but nonetheless it's my style. If enough people ask me, I might share the full statement!
As part of living out my story, Sebastian and I had the chance to spend a morning together last Saturday. The triplets and Tess were on a junk trip but Sebastian had a doctors appointment first thing in the AM. After the appointment we went to IFC to do some shopping: we bought Seb and the triplets Octopus cards (Sebastian was thrilled). We bought me Men's Clinique Scruffing Lotion 1.5. (My face was thrilled.) The purchase entitled me to free parking. (Darn, should have told Tess 'cause normally getting things free or cheap is a real aphrodisiac for Terrific Tess and she would have been, errr, thrilled.) Then we went to see "Despicable Me."
While waiting for the movie to commence we went to Starbucks. I had my usual Venti Vanilla Latte. Sebastian had a small not-so-hot, hot chocolate with whip cream on top. Seb wanted a spoon so I suggested he ask one of the baristas.
The first time he approached the cashier it was busy and with all the tall adults around Seb got lost in the crowd. He came back discouraged with no spoon. "I can't do it," he said.
I encouraged Seb to try again and be a little louder. This time there were less people. The second time, just as he was approaching the cashier, mustering all the volume he could, the cashier turned away to help the other baristas. He didn't see nor hear Seb. Sebastian returned very discouraged with no spoon. By now Seb's confidence was eroding and his voice a mere mumble.
"Try again," I encouraged, "how about this lady at this end who is clearing dishes? Just give her a big loud 'excuse me!'"
With trepidation Sebastian approached the lady. She swung and said, "Yes, how may I help you?" A few seconds later Sebastian returned with spoon in hand and feeling much more confident about himself.
What's your leadership story?
