Learn from your tiny friends

Do you see a turtle in the picture? Even though it is colored with assorted rainbow beads, can you still see the turtle? Could you celebrate the accomplishments of the tiny artist who made this turtle even though it isn’t the way you would do it?

That’s how it is with leadership - sometimes leading means following those you lead so they can succeed. Much like this turtle I made with my tiny friend, sometimes the finished product isn’t exactly what you expected but does that make it wrong? Sometimes you just want to use the green beads when the person you are leading wants use “all the colors.”

Leaders of highly effective teams know that being able to embrace the unique talents and passions of each team member. They know how to uniquely motivate each teammate to perform at their peak. The know when the exact deliverable and process matters and where they can give the team the space to shine.

The next time you are feeling the urge to micromanage and control, I encourage you to stop and think about my tiny friend and her “sprinkle turtle” and let it will inspire you to embrace the possibilities.