The Unlocked Leader

CHAPTER 11Become a New Leader: Four Practices to Better Connect with Others

While walking on his own path of roses, the child notices that every flower is different. Taking a closer look, the child observes that some are in full bloom, others still small buds. Some grow in the shade, others in full sunlight. Some need watering, others not. Some need pruning, others fertilizer. The child learns to observe the flowers every day and be attentive to what they each need to grow and blossom. The child understands that caring for each rose changes with the seasons and the weather, too. So he learns to listen to the wind, to notice whether the air is hot or cool, and to look out for clouds on the horizon and anticipate rain. As the child moves forward, he keeps learning how to become a better gardener.

And every day when meeting with a rose, he asks, “How do you feel today? Do you need anything?”

“Thank you for asking!” the rose beams. “I feel respected and loved, so for now, I can grow safely.”

And so the child goes, walking forward on his path of roses, feeling richer and happier for having unlocked his human gift.

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In addition to connecting with ourselves, extending our mindbuilding practice to better connect with others takes time and consistent practice, too. Deciding, for example, to be a leader who embraces authentic relationships and unleashes other people's potential, rather than one bent on proving we're smarter than everyone else, does not mean we know how to do this ...