Leadership
Much To Learn From Dr . Seuss
By Theresa Kiernan
THIS IS AN EXERPT FROM A PRESENTATION MADE BY THERESA KIERNAN , CLASS FACILITATOR , AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE LEADERSHIP MORGAN HILL CLASS OF 2014 . WE THANK HER FOR SHARING IT WITH US AND GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE IT WITH YOU .
With so many great books on leadership you can study and even more excellent examples of leaders you can aspire to be like , I was overwhelmed with the options for tonight ’ s presentation . So I went to the top of the list , to the best expert out there … Dr . Seuss ! That ’ s right . Dr . Seuss has some great insights as to how to be the best leader with five very simple lessons of life that every leader can live by .
Lesson Number One
Today you are YOU , that is truer than true . There is no one alive who is YOUer than YOU .
You are each unique . Your knowledge , talents and experiences have shaped you into who you are today and there is no one else out there like you . Perhaps your talents and your knowledge may be similar but that which really separates you from one another is your life experiences . That is what makes you unique . Honor and cherish your “ unique ” ness and others will enjoy following you as a leader .
Lesson Number Two
Why fit in when you were born to stand out ?
Perhaps for some of you , you have no problem standing out . Embrace it and allow it to make you the best leader you can be . Trust Dr . Seuss when he says that there is something about each and every one of you that makes you stand out . If you ’ re wondering how , listen to the words others use to describe you at your best . Maybe it ’ s a sense of humor , or your sense of integrity , or your keen ability to relate to others . Whatever it is , that is what others enjoy most about you and makes you stand out . That is why they choose you as a leader .
Lesson Number Three
You have brains in your head . You have feet in your shoes . You can steer yourself any direction you choose .
As a leader use your head and keep moving forward . I ’ m confident you ’ ve heard the words “ use your head ” before . Most likely during your teen years probably from your parents asking you with such exasperation “ when will you ever use your head ?” As a leader you need to trust that voice that tells you something may be off or better yet , you ’ re spot on . And remember using your head doesn ’ t have to be literal . Trusting your gut is also about “ using your head .” The very best leaders trust both their head and their gut . And once you have those two aligned , your feet will follow suit and keep you moving in the right direction … the direction you choose .
Lesson Number Four
Be who you are and say what you feel , because those who mind don ’ t matter and those who matter don ’ t mind .
This spoke to me about having your inner circle . The people around whom you can always be “ youer than you .” These are the people who matter most to you and who you will turn to when you need an ear , a shoulder or a sounding board as you lead . And it is no secret that you will hear a LOT from those that Don ’ t MATTER . As a leader everyone isn ’ t going to agree with you all the time . And some may never agree with you ever , at all . So be sure to know who your personal cheerleaders are and keep them close and let them support you . Be who you are and say what you feel , because those who mind don ’ t matter and those who matter don ’ t mind .
Lesson Number Five
Today I shall behave , as if this is the day I will be remembered .
Make every day count ! As a leader spend every day putting your best foot forward . It may not always be easy . So if you slip , accept it and take responsibility . Rely on your inner circle and look for what didn ’ t work , how did you play a role in it and what needs to improve . Taking the time to evaluate the situation , including a selfevaluation , helps you to continue to be an excellent example to those who choose to follow you as a leader .
It isn ’ t amazing to me that these simple life lessons from Dr . Seuss can ring so loudly and clearly as some of the best advice to being the best leader possible .
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