You Can't Lead 'Til You Stoop

I am not qualified to write on this subject of leadership, but my heart is. Everybody has an idea of what leadership means to him or her personally. Leadership to me is simply this: stoop first, then lead. How can you lead someone from something if you don't feel it first? Do you know what it is like to lose a child; stoop and imagine your own child never again dropping everything in a race to hug your kneecaps as you come home from an agonizing day. Do you know how it feels to have the love of your life walk out on you; stoop first before you tell an employee to take care of their personal problems on their own time- saying things like” check your emotional baggage at the gate.” A salesperson is begging to race to the bank to deposit his draw check- hoping to outrun the rent check already written; stoop first before you decide, with your grandiose management power to hold the check until closing time-because you can. As a grown man tearfully stares into the eyes of his “manager” fearfully wondering if he can provide for his family in this rejection infested business; stoop first, before you tell him to man up; it’s a numbers game.

We don’t all learn to swim the same; some get pushed into the deep end and have to fend for their own lives; others begin with floaties. Just because you made it one way doesn’t mean another will. You can manage processes, not people. It's not the words you speak that make you a leader, for words can be hollow; it's what you stooped for-the non-judgmental acts that speak louder than mere words.

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Comment by Stephanie Young on June 20, 2011 at 11:11am: @Joe: No, thank you. I enjoy passing along what others have given to me as much as I enjoy borrowing from others that are kind enough to gift me. I think we might be even as I have already been gifted with your words and contributions to personal growth. You are a dynamo, Joe!!!

Comment by Joe Clementi on June 20, 2011 at 11:08am: @Stephanie: I am grateful for the loan :) Those women were truly inspirational and clearly they've left a strong impression on you! Have a positive day and thanks for the gift, I owe you one now.

Comment by Stephanie Young on June 20, 2011 at 9:14am: @Joe: Well, I am born on Abraham Lincoln's birthday.....but I don't think I qualify for historical or famous....yet. (smile) I can't take full credit for my statement though. I come from a long line of women who might not be personally famous but should be historical. The concept of taking care of those that take care of you was a mantra among these amazing women. I think they would be honored for you to borrow their message long term. Gifted!

Comment by Marsh Buice on June 18, 2011 at 5:15pm: Joe, absolutely love the quote...that one is going in my quote book! Thanks brother for the quote and comment

Comment by Joe Clementi on June 18, 2011 at 1:36pm: @Stephanie: I loved your post! Is that a historic quote from some famous leader? Either way, I hope you don't mind I borrow it long-term? Thanks for the inspiration :)

Comment by Joe Clementi on June 18, 2011 at 1:34pm: Marsh: Excellent thought provoking post my friend. A true leader never requires others to follow, they inspire the journey!

I hope you will find this quote as inspiring as I do?

"Leadership is the capacity and will to rally men and women to a common purpose and the character which inspires confidence" - Bernard Montgomery, British Field Marshal

Comment by Marsh Buice on June 17, 2011 at 11:17am: Stephanie, well put and so true. There are those who lead with power and others with authority. Power is by force and Authority is leading by will. Those willing to follow you will take care of you, because you are willing to take care of them. You put it in a nutshell; love your expertise.

Comment by Stephanie Young on June 17, 2011 at 11:07am: For ever rung on the ladder you climb, there are those who must fill in the step of the rung you just left. Without all the rungs below you holding the ladder together, you will fall. Remember, the first step on a ladder is actually the ground. As a result, a leader must take care of those that take care of them or they will fall. It is not difficult to recall what it was like to be at the ground level or any of the rungs below you. Take care of those you lead and they will take care of you.

Comment by Marsh Buice on June 17, 2011 at 10:03am: Thanks for the words of encouragement Bobby. You rock brother.

Comment by Marsh Buice on June 17, 2011 at 9:09am: @BC good question; I think leadership is something you never master. I always feel like I have more to give.