Jun07
The Tiny Tyrant of Leadership
Let's talk leadership. You might be the CEO of a billion-euro company, the general of an army, or the master of your universe. You might have read every leadership book, attended every seminar, and even have a few inspirational quotes framed on your wall. But no matter how big or bad you think you are, when a two-year-old hands you a toy phone, you answer it. Every. Single. Time.
Why? Because true leadership isn't about power or prestige. It's about connecting with people, meeting them where they are, and sometimes, where they are is in the middle of a pretend tea party with stuffed animals as their board members.
Imagine this: you're in a high-stakes meeting, negotiating a deal that could make or break your company. Suddenly, your toddler bursts in with a Fisher-Price phone and a look that says, "This call is more important than your entire career."
You pause, you take that plastic receiver, and you say, "Hello?"
In that moment, you're not just playing along; you're showing empathy, humility, and the ability to prioritize human connection. Plus, you're getting an impromptu lesson in negotiation from a pint-sized expert who can go from tears to giggles faster than the stock market can crash.
Answering that toy phone teaches us that leadership isn't always about serious decisions. Sometimes, it's about the small gestures that make people feel valued and understood. It reminds us to stay grounded and to remember that no matter how high we climb, we were all once that tiny tyrant demanding attention with a plastic gadget.
So next time you find yourself in a serious situation, remember the toy phone. Answer it with enthusiasm. You might just learn a thing or two about leadership from the little ones who haven't read the books, but somehow, get it right every time.
Because in the grand scheme of things, leading with a bit of humour and a lot of heart is what truly makes you a giant in any field.
By Dara Kiernan
Keywords: IT Leadership, Leadership, Management
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