Leadership Gifts From the Sea

Estimates of the numbers of species of animals and insects range into the millions. Of them all, it is only the male seahorse that gets pregnant and gives birth. Just as many humans like to hold hands as they walk together, this underwater creatures likes to swim with another seahorse, tails joined. Able to escape predators by virtue of their protective coloration, seahorses use their tails to connect to corals. Then, they use their long snouts to get their food-plankton and other tiny ocean inhabitants.

There are leadership lessons to be derived from this seaside snapshot:

o Be known for a distinctive capability.
o Most work-related tasks are not gender-specific.
o Let your subject-matter expertise be your protective coloration.

Consider these questions and discuss your thoughts with someone whose business acumen you respect:

How many examples can you cite of "linking" with another person to accomplish a leadership objective?
What sustains you?
To what are you "connected"?
How extensive are your networks?
What makes you stand out?
When is it worth copying someone else?

Regarding the uniqueness afforded by the seahorse's conceivability, be inspired by these observations.

Benjamin Mays:
"Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done."

Primo Angeli:
"A great trademark is appropriate, dynamic, distinctive, memorable, and unique"

Brian Setzer:
"If you try to copy Johnny Cash, it's just going to sound dumb."

John F. Kennedy:
"If we cannot now end our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity."

Chief Joseph:
"The earth is the mother of all people and all people should have equal rights upon it."

Assignment and Application
At least once a year, prepare a one+ paragraph statement of what sets you apart from others. List your unique capabilities, your beliefs, your view of the world--at least the world of business. Include the things of which you are most proud and the things you have achieved in each twelve-month period. Use the assessment as "fodder" for your next performance review.

To help you determine and refine the best that is in you, think about what Anais Nin had to say about what is within us: "Each friend represents a world in us--a world possibly not born until they arrive." Expand your circle of friends. And befriend inspirational figures--if only by reading about them. Here's one to get you started.

Cara Dunne-Yates, who worked as a law clerk for the Public Council on Children's Rights while studying for the bar exam. She has also participated in the Paralympic Games. Additionally, this refuse-to-stay-at-home mother graduated Harvard magna cum laude and then went on to UCLA Law School.

An active life? Yes, but in addition to all this, Cara was a downhill skiing legend with ten medals to her credit. Further, she wpm both silver and bronze medals in international competitions for tandem bike racing.

Two more interesting facts about Cara. She has battled breast cancer. And, she has been blind since age five. In view of Cara's determination, can you commit to discovering more about your own capabilities?

Finally, if you are communing with God or perhaps seeking His presence in your life, be encouraged by Mohatma Gandhi's assertion, one that echoes the value of expanding your network of friends: "If you haven't found God in the next person you meet, there's no point in looking for him any further."

Dr. Marlene Caroselli,  msmccpd@gmail.com, is the author of numerous articles and 60+ books on business topics.


 By Marlene Caroselli


Article Source:  Leadership Gifts From the Sea