Remember last week’s question, “Which are you, interesting or interested?” Let’s play this out at a holiday dinner party.
If you’re interesting, your dinner Guest will leave thinking you are the most important person in the world.
If you are interested, they will think they are.
Ya with me?
Next Blog
5 replies on “Which Leader Are You?”
Yes, I’m with you. But I think there is a balance to be struck. Being interesting is easy. We all have gifts and talents which we share. But what if a leader doesn’t show interest in those around them? What if, they are so busy being interesting, and showing those around them just how interesting they are, that they don’t acknowledge the interesting bits in others? I think a confident leader seeks the interest in others. For when you acknowledge the knowledge about you, then you gather a group to lead.
Patty, good morning fellow early-bird. Balance is good. And there are leaders, for whatever reasons, that leave others feeling they aren’t interested. This is also common in parenting – busy schedules, competing priorities, etc.
We don’t care how much a leader knows until we know how much a leader cares.
As humans, we probably swing back and forth on a pendulum. No easy answer. And every day is a new day to begin again. We win some. We lose some.
By the way, am interested to know if you are interested in more Guest Blogging. 🙂
Jeff,
While reading your blog and then the comments between you and Patty (yes, another early riser!), I was reminded about a story I once read about shepherds in Greece. It was a teachable lesson on leadership.
One of the things I read was how the shepherds guide their sheep from the rear, already knowing where they are going to take them. So instead of walking in front of the sheep to provide them (in the tone of your blog) something to be interested in, the shepherds provide them encouragement and guidance from the rear (showing interest toward the sheep). The sheep are always being watched over because the shepherd can see the whole flock from behind – something he couldn’t do if his back was turned to them as he walked in the lead.
Sorry – sometimes I get stuck in metaphors.
Bob
Yes. I’ve been working on a submission and will get it out in email soon. Thanks for offering me another writing outlet.
Patty, great. And, you’re welcome.