The Grinch’s Heart Grew Three Sizes That Day
“And what happened, then? Well, in Whoville they say – that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day. And then – the true meaning of Christmas came through, and the Grinch found the strength of *ten* Grinches, plus two!” Dr. Seuss
The big-hearted-you is more compelling than the public you. We may not say it, but the fake face is obvious and ugly.
You’re less of who you could be when you’re trying to be someone you’re not.
There comes a moment of compelling inspiration when shields drop and and the power of a big heart shines.
4 things big hearted leaders know about caring:
- The more you need to get done, the more you need to care for people.
- At the end of the day, the real question is how much did you care for the people on your team.
- Leaderly care inspires. It’s not hand-holding.
- The heart of leadership is turning your focus toward the welfare of others.
If people were tools, caring wouldn’t matter.
Leaders with big hearts rely on others.
Self-reliance in leadership makes leaders small.
The more you rely on others, the more compelling your leadership becomes.
Relying on others reflects strength and trust. Small hearted leaders meddle, outdo, and one-up. In other words, they rely on themselves.
Strong leaders equip others for success and then rely on them to succeed.
Your worried look lets others know you don’t trust them.
5 things big hearted leaders say:
- I hadn’t thought of it that way.
- I’m learning.
- My thoughts are shifting.
- I’m excited to try this.
- I could do better.
Small hearted leaders don’t inspire learning because they fake knowing.
What are some reasons for small hearted leadership?
How might leaders grow and show big hearts?
Dan,
I see Leaders entrusting their members, partners, with tasks to handle on their own, let them run with the ball, from start to finish, stand back coach if needed.
If they request assistance inspire them to succeed with positive input, at the same time standing behind the scenes, “it’s their lime light”, let them shine.
“Let them shine.” Bingo! Thanks Tim. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
You too Dan, Cheers
Happy Holidays Dan! Thank you for all you do for us! I work for a small hearted leader. She seems angry most of the time. See this picture for the anger iceberg. I’m not a psychiatrist so hard to diagnose root cause. Childhood issues? Alcoholic parent? This is a great opportunity for me to learn and to succeed in this environment but I’m also looking for other opportunities.
https://goo.gl/images/zGgQV8
Thanks William. It’s tough working for a small hearted leader. Sometimes leaders forget how powerfully they impact others.
Love the image you linked to. Happy Holidays.
I love this! How timely and true. It gives me pause to reflect on enlarging my heart.
Very good points. Thank you. Happy Holidays
Such powerful and accurate words!
As an elementary principal who leads and learns through a lens of love, this post is beyond validating.
Thanks for your daily words Dan 💟
Hi Dan,
I really appreciate your insights ,It is amazing what a team that cares about it self can do!
Your post reminds me of Zig Ziglar’s thought “People don’t care are about how much you know until they know how much you care” Always True
Thanks for all your inspiring and insightful remarks .
Merry Christmas to you and yours
My Best
John Hackett
Unfortunately, every leader I’ve ever worked for couldn’t have cared less about how much I’d done for the team, especially if the money wasn’t there. I doubt any one of them had heard of Zig Ziglar, either!
Really like this.
The most obvious characteristic of a true leader to me is that they are willing to sacrifice their own comfort to make sure everyone else around them is good.