Coach Self leads a team of high performers known as Kansas Jayhawks – 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.”
Everyday I push people to do what they can. 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 to hide. Most leaders choose to hold back. BTL leaders are tough, tender, and magic at moving tension to its rightful owner. BTL leaders are TOUGH and tender because they believe their top performers deserve the truth. BTL leaders own their own tension and pass the rest to its rightful owner – calmly.
Most humans hide. Most leaders hold back. The chronic pain of mediocrity results. BTL leaders are tough. BTL leaders push. Acute pain, quality unity, and a sense of calm come.
Which describes you…
BUILT TO LEAD 
Chet and BTL – thanks for keeping the messaging and the pressure on, especially for us “middle-child-syndrom” leaders who just want everyone to get along. We can be master negotiators, but that can cause us to shrink back from the hard stuff. I just took out and reviewed my 5 top strengths from strengths finder – claiming and owning what I am still learning/applying from that tool.
David