Leadership

One of my good childhood friends was the valedictorian of our graduating high school class.  Her speech included a reading from the Dr.Seuss book “Oh The Places You’ll Go.”  I thought of it again today as I was giving some thought to leadership.

On and on you will hike.
and I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems
whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up, of course,
as you already know.
You'll get mixed up
with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's
a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left

So often, we look at leaders as just being in their positions because that’s who they are - natural born leaders.  They have the skills, they can “talk the talk, walk the walk”, and are meant to be where they are.   Maybe there are some who have traits that make them feel more at ease in a leadership position.  Throughout Moser Learning’s DISC training we discuss how high D styles tend to be go-getters, self-starters, and are highly competitive, making leadership roles a goal they set for themselves.  That doesn’t mean someone with a different style can’t be a leader or that those with high D styles didn’t have to work hard to get where they are!   When we look at leaders as having just arrived there, we dismiss the journey they took to get there. Or, as Dr.Seuss puts it in a much more amusing and poetic way, the “strange birds you’ll get mixed up with”.   It brings to mind the iceberg image.  Above the water we see their success.  But below, we don’t see the failures, disappointments, late nights, rejection, sacrifice, and hard work.  

Whether you are just starting on your journey to leadership, halfway there, or a seasoned leader, there is always something new to learn.   It’s about having the right people around you, overcoming your challenges, knowing your strengths, and growing in ways you may have never thought possible.  Enjoy the journey and discover the “places you’ll go!”  

If you’re ready to find out more about how Moser Learning and Development can help you, click here. 

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed)

-Dr.Seuss

Check out our downloadable Learning Leadership Essentials.