Happy Monday!
In high school, I used to actively participate in hallway group discussions in between classes. I was involved in many different extra-curricular activities, making me a member of several tribes. The most rewarding part of those group discussions came many years after I had graduated.
Several years ago, I was visiting my hometown for a weekend and stopped by the neighborhood barbershop, The Cutting Edge. Chris, the younger brother of one of my high school buddies, was a barber there. In high school, I remember how he had constantly been in and out of trouble. Throughout the years, he had established a well-deserved reputation filled with violence and menace. It did my heart well to see him working a solid job. Although the barber shop was full of people, it appeared that his reputation prevented the ease-of-mind that the one would need in trusting this man with a blade. His chair was empty and he seemed somewhat embarrassed for me to see it so.
I walked right over to him, shook his hand, and sat down in his chair. I could feel the tension in the air as everybody watched, perhaps surprised or shocked. I could tell that even HE was a little taken aback by my directness. Right before he began cutting my hair, he said, "I always used to watch you back in high school. You would always be surrounded by the older kids. Tony (his brother) used to always say that if I ever wanted to learn anything, I should try to get as close to those conversations as possible and just listen. I don't know if you ever noticed, but there would always be a group of my friends standing behind you."
I never noticed. I learned that day, in his chair, that even if I am not aware, somebody may be watching what I am doing or saying. My actions have the potential to shape their world, or at least affect their views. Now, when I stop by the barber shop, his chair is the busiest. I cannot take credit for his skills or his success, but he often tells me that I contributed to his self-confidence.
Now, enough about me. Here is a great article that I came across discussing the concept of "leading by example."
Leading by Example - Leadership Training from MindTools.com
Enjoy!
What a great story! Thanks for sharing it with us. I think that this is a perfect example of how we are all leaders, whether we are aware that we are leading or not.
ReplyDeleteSomeone is always watching what we say, what we do, how we treat others. Everyone has the ability to positively impact someone's life everyday. Who will it be for you today?