The Right To Lead

03 Feb The Right To Lead

By rights, Gerald should have been a CEO.

He was bright – incredibly strategic – and was one of the best communicators I ever met.

When Gerald spoke the room grew quiet.

People listened.

By rights, he should have become a superstar.

Legions pressed to follow him – at least at the start.

But Gerald’s greatest strength masked a terrible flaw.

It even masked it from Gerald.

Those people who yearned to follow him eventually saw it – and so, they quietly slipped away over time.

Moved on.

Deserted the chosen one.

And all the intellect in the world couldn’t save him.

By rights, Gerald should have been a CEO.

But he could never find the time to say “Thank You” when it mattered.

Couldn’t reach over and occasionally whisper, “I appreciate what you’re doing.”

Couldn’t affirm other’s efforts – or value them as human beings and not hired workers.

Couldn’t step out of the limelight long enough to cast it elsewhere.

Until the curtain had already been drawn on his own career.

By rights, Gerald should have been a CEO.

But there was no one left to follow him.

*A special note of thanks to a former colleague who reminded me again of the power of affirmation – and the difference it makes in people’s lives.   Scott K, wherever you are, I know you’re doing just that.