I love hats.
I once held a dinner where many hats were on show. My guests were in awe of my collection.
I had to confess that only some of them were mine – a couple of friends had brought their own to round out my display – but I am fond of hats, so I’d like to use this metaphor to remind you of a few things that will help make your time on this wonderful planet live up to your expectations.
You, who are reading this, are in a unique position. I would hazard a guess that you are in a leadership position, such as teacher, consultant, director, professor, manager, supervisor, parents, etc. Therefore, you have the opportunity to be a change makers – of the lives of the individuals with whom you intersect.
I believe there are 3 significant attributes essential for leadership. They are:
1) Credibility: Can others trust you? The best way to demonstrate that is consistency between your intentions and your actions.
2) Emotional intelligence: Dan Goleman in his book says that 95% of the difference between an average leader and a superior leader is emotional intelligence.
3) Modeling: Psychological and educational research shows that other adults and children will do 30% of what we say – but 70% of what we do.
If you are taking on the role of leader, you have multiple roles to perform. I would like to “wear” a few of those hats for you and remind you of both your opportunities and your responsibilities as you make your way through a variety activities and events. The purpose is to be an exemplary leader, inspiring all who fall onto your path.
So – put on:
A Sports Team Hat
This implies partnership. You are a part of several teams. Your work? Your family? Your community? The world? Push cooperative activities and good sportsmanship. Establish goals together, supporting each other as work is accomplished and miracles can occur.
A Warrior’s Hat
Be the advocate for the person someone has forgotten or overlooked. Do battle for the person who has been written off by the rest of the world. Use your voice to defend your values to your friends and neighbors in a gentle loving manner.
A Safari Hat
As a leader you must be an adventurer into the unknown; remember to take with you a spirit of willingness and risk-taking. Be enthusiastic and optimistic – being a pessimist isn’t worth it. For example, did you know that the pessimist gets sick twice as often as the optimist?
And remember everyone fails or makes mistakes regularly. Michael Jordan, in one professional game during a five minute segment, shot no baskets, missed the ball, and fell down. In fact, he didn’t make his high school basketball team on his first try. Mistakes are part of life, so embrace failure in order to court success.
A Fireman’s Hat
Be concerned not only about creating physical safety but emotional and psychological safety. Be thoughtful of others occupying your space. For example, do share resources; do pass the plate of forgiveness whenever participating in a verbal feast; do listen first, second, and last. Don’t use killer statements, put-downs, or be sarcastic. Be as willing as the fireman to step out of your safety zone for the sake of someone else.
A Dr. Seuss Hat
Retain your sense of humor. Be in love with life. Bring some zaniness and inventiveness to every teaching and/or learning situation, homemaking activity, or service project. Remember, children laugh 300-500 times a day; adults only 15 times a day. At the beginning of a meeting, ask who has a joke that will make us all laugh.
A Hard Hat
A hard had is worn by architects and builders. Put on your hard hat and ask the tough questions:
- What is the flaw in thinking that? Or doing that?
- What is your backup plan?
- What would my favorite leader do if s/he were here?
It is essential to learn to see the value of disagreeing. Also, do not assume that silence means agreement.
A Propeller Hat
Be flexible; there will always be, often of necessity, last minute adjustments. Be willing to go with the flow. Be creative and inventive. It doesn’t have to be done your way to be done right. I am convinced that there are multiple solutions to most problems, issues, and dilemmas so always be on the hunt for new ideas.
A Multicultural Hat
This is to remind you that your heritage, culture, background, etc., is a valued one. Keep in mind, however, that you will be exposed to multiple opinions and points of view as a result of the diversity that exists in this world. These differences are fortunate and will enrich our activities, our relationships, and our journey.
A Magic Hat
However, it’s not really a magic hat – it’s an illusion hat. The best magic tricks are based on the laws of physics; they are illusions. Individuals who understand and apply the precepts of emotional intelligence create the illusion that it is magical. Opportunities we never dreamed of are made to happen; experiences beyond what we have thus far experienced or thought of occur – all done with conscious acts of kindness and love. Extraordinary results may be obtained by ordinary people!
An Invisible Hat Created Just for You
This may be the most important hat of all. Each person’s experience is unique to him or her. Comparisons are not beneficial and indeed may be harmful; each person is unusual, special, in essence a prototype not available for duplication. Please remember that.
If you want to improve your leadership skills, I would suggest that beginning tomorrow you select a hat that you are going to wear for the week. Each day practice the precepts, skills, etc. suggested by that particular head wear.
And, in closing, I suggest you might think of:
Uncle Sam’s Hat
Remember that old “I Want YOU!” poster? I want you to join me in the above daily practice, because with all of us working together, we can create much more than we can create separately.
Have fun!
What thoughts can you share? Please tell us in the comments. I truly appreciate heart-felt and thoughtful comments, they make my day.
And please consider ‘liking’ my Facebook page for more valuable information about emotional intelligence. I would so appreciate it! Thank you.
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