Forty years ago, when I had my first leadership role for CompuServe, I remember my boss telling me “don’t be afraid to lead those older than you.” Good advice. Everyone was. Today, I’m the old dude in the room almost everywhere I lead. Blink of an eye, or so it seems.
My first HR leadership training was memorable. Was told to not get emotionally involved. Keep the team at a distance. This advice was worthless. I cared about everyone I was privileged to lead. Celebrated wins as if they were mine. When they took a hit, I took one too. When we lost, I felt the same pain and maybe even worse. Sucks to lead.
Dealing with Grappy’s pain this week has been a reminder for me. He’s hurting big time. Wrecked. Long ASS road to recovery. My heart has been broken, yet again. I’m wearing his son, Jake, ragged. You see, Grappy and I talk nearly every day. I’m kinda lost without our phone calls, laughter, and sharing life together. Our tagline is not individually we transform. Because a lone we do not. Together we do. Always together.
Who, friend, knows your shit and doesn’t rub your nose in it? Who makes you better? Who shows up everyfreakin’day unless they’re completely wrecked? Who allows you to make them better too? You are blessed if you have one such dude. I have more than a few. Blessed. Forever grateful. Damn.
So, today, I’m bummed. Part of the gig, when you care more than makes cents. Lead anything or anyone well, and you are gonna hurt with ‘em. Can be no other way. Fear not. Love casts out all fear (Jesus said this long ago). Truth. Love. Expect the hurt. Love, anyway (Mother Teresa’s poem said this much better, btw).
Live hard. Love harder…
BUILT TO LEAD 