Getting to spend time with those who have influenced and shaped us is a real treat. Reconnecting with parents, teachers, coaches, and mentors during the holidays gives us a chance to take stock and reflect on all the wisdom we have gathered from them. Looking in the mirror, we can see a lot of them in us in our reflection. There is much to be grateful for in the learnings we have gleaned thanks to their example.
Not surprisingly, we often coach like those who have coached us, teach like those who have taught us, and lead like those who have led us. For the most part, this is a good thing.
Emulating those leaders and role models we have spent the most time with is a compliment to them and a sign of respect. When we copy the best parts of our mentors and discard their flaws, we benefit most from their example.
Expanding the list of who we emulate, even in the smallest way, is a recipe for amazing growth. Examining those we respect and finding a behavior, expression, or approach that makes them so successful gives us the ingredients from which to create a masterpiece.
Over the course of the next few days, think deeply about the many people you admire, respect, and enjoy. Find one small piece of each of them that is worth emulating. Push beyond the superficial and attempt to identify a specific action, behavior, expression, or response that is worth adopting.
Work hard to create a masterpiece of yourself from all the wonderful people in your life. That’s an expression of gratefulness that is both honor and reward.
A Daily Dispatch from the Front Lines of Leadership.
