— 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 at www.tomnewhouse.com. —
I WOULD HAVE LIKED TO FIRE some of my handlers. Yes, some of those who took me on hunting trips or target practice were no fun to be around. I couldn’t do anything right. Well, even if I did everything right, these dudes made me feel like I didn’t. I instead felt worthless, and, though I hate to admit it, I failed to perform with excellence.
Nobody wants to work for a grouch! There’s no fun in it. Meaning is robbed. Engagement is pretentious. Collaboration is compromised. You have the picture. Now, being a Pollyanna doesn’t cut it either. Try positive realism. You can recognize challenges, characterize them accurately, and still be positive. Your people know when things are tough, but they want you to lead as though you’re above the challenges. How do you follow someone who acts defeated? How do you follow someone who is dour or who perpetually complains? You don’t, not really, do you?