Today, during practice 49 with a team full of potential, I was reminded that humans are not as rational as they appear. Humans rationalize their behaviors much more than they rationally contemplate them. Bummer but true.
Coach Self leads a team of high performers known as Kansas Jayhawks and yet his favorite quote from Emerson sounds like it speaks to mules not mustangs. Emerson, long ago said, “Our chief want in life is someone who will make us do what we can.”
Today, I pushed the team because I see their potential and believe they can do more than they do. I pushed a number of them. None of them liked it. Many are growing tired of being pushed. Some would simply rather morph into a mule like existence and forget about it. My aim is to bring out their inner mustang and help them run to greener pastures. Lots will get pissed along the way. Many will resist my efforts to help. Lead anything and the same will be said of you…
In fact, lead anything and you’ll feel like you’re pushing too hard, expecting too much, and out of touch with reality. Lead anything and you’re gonna feel alone more than allONE. Quality unity comes from quality fights. And, quality fights still hurt like hell. So most humans choose instead to hide…
Leaders mine for this kinda conflict and do whatever it takes to surface more and more of it. Mining for conflict and then productively finding your way through it is painful and tiring. Do it anyway. Leaders, remember, are TOUGH and tender. Leaders make us do what we can. Leaders challenge from belief and deal with the backlash. Leaders focus on the few.
And, leaders understand why it is lonely at the top. Push, anyway…
BUILT TO LEAD 