— To follow is a bullet of wisdom on leadership. It comes from Tom’s rifle, named Shot, who has seen it all. You’ll get the drift by clicking Blog in the menu above. —
I NEVER LIKED HOBBY HUNTERS, as a rifle, but I liked those who hunted as a hobby. Maybe to you there’s no difference, but to me hobby hunters just played the game of hunting. It was about show, trophies, million-dollar rifles—okay, I exaggerate—and bragging rights. But a man or woman who took a break from long hours, even long seasons, to enjoy the hunt, he or she impressed me. Often, they involved their families, made the hunt a time of refreshment and camaraderie, enjoying the company of loved ones or special friends. It was a joy to be with them.
Actually, according to an article in Harvard Business Review hobbies can help make leaders effective. Passionate leisure interests increase leadership range. They help leaders detach, so they can stop thinking about work and obtain mental freedom for things like strategic thinking. They also fulfill a leader’s need to pursue potential. And they teach humility while providing authentic connection to followers. Consider letting yourself go—in a hobby. Let it become a passion, but, please, keep it real!