The smell was so pungent that it nearly snuffed out my entire supply of air that morning. I looked up quickly from the partially paved road on which my sneakers fell one step at a time to see him – some guy I did not know walking in front of me and blowing out puff after intoxicating puff of smoke from the cigarette he was smoking at 5:23 in the morning.
Increasing my pace, I ran past him thrilled to finally be free from the adverse effects of that trail of smoke that tagged along behind him. Relieved to be able to breathe clean air again, I exhaled deeply letting out all the air I had trapped in my lungs while trying to stay healthy.
As quickly as this brief scene was over, my mind went thinking about …you know what. Leadership! I felt my pace drop as I contemplated the type of trail I leave for my followers each day. How do they react when they “smell” me? Do they pause and take “my aroma” all in or do they hold their breaths nearly gasping for dear life?
TRUTH: Whether you realize it or not, you leave a trail in the wake of your leadership, one that is unique to who you are as a leader. Do you know its effect on your followers? Need I say that some of what you consider “unfair” treatment from the people in your circles is simply their healthy reaction to the pungent smell of your leadership?
To change the trail, you must first know it!
Journey with Della 