Here’s the email I wrote to leaders in Reno County on Monday, 10/22/12:
I love Sherlock Holmes stuff. Everything from the old BBC series starring Jeremy Brett to the new BBC series starring Benedict Cumberbatchto even the new CBS series Elementary starring Lucy Liu draw my attention in quickly. One particular episode stuck out to me (it’s called the Naval Treaty). Holmes believes to have solved it, but when questioned about whom he suspects, he pauses and says, “I suspect myself, for coming to conclusions too rapidly.” In recent weeks in leadership emails, we’ve discussed taking care of ourselves and, most recently, identifying triggers. I find that one consistent problem in my leadership is actually me. The leadership principles of the KLC say that Leadership starts with you and must engage others. My weaknesses and rushing to conclusions too easily stand in the way of my most productive acts of leadership. I’m guessing that may be the case for some of you. So, my simple request today is to manage self and realize that as you do, you’re positioning yourself to be the most effective leader you can be. That’s where we all want to be. Today, then, examine yourself. And, after making the necessary corrections, step out to engage others and see if we don’t make a difference in those issues we care about so deeply.
With you in this adventure…