In a short story by Kurt Vonnegut, he writes about a character named Frank warning his friend against following anybody.
“Thinking the guy up ahead knows what he’s doing is the most dangerous religion there is.”
It’s half true as leaders have two core responsibilities.
The first responsibility is where Vonnegut is wrong. Leaders are map makers for others. They share their knowledge of both what worked and what didn’t so others either avoid the same mistakes or celebrate the same wins. Making their path worth following is the point.
The second responsibility; the one where Vonnegut is the most right is that leaders are also trailblazing. They’re trying new things, making more mistakes than anyone else and are constantly dancing with fear, uncertainty, doubt, vulnerability… the list goes on.
So the advice ought to have been, “Thinking the guy up ahead knows what he’s doing si the most dangerous religion there is. But carry on. You’ll learn a thing or two.”
Stay Positive & Lead On
Photo credit
- A Simple Thank You - October 14, 2024
- Truly Memorable - October 13, 2024
- Things To Take - October 12, 2024
