How the Grinch Reveals the Heart of Leadership
The Grinch hated the Whos because his heart was 2 sizes too small, not because the Whos were hate-worthy.
The Heart of the Matter:
Emotion:
Recurring emotion reveals and expresses what’s in you, not what’s around you.
Years ago, we had a neighbor who hated everything. When everything bothers you, the bother lives IN you.
“We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.” Anonymous
Nothing changes until we find courage to recognize our own small hearts.
The world changes when we change.
Arleen Lorrance said it best, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
Strength:
“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
Strength is about heart, not muscle.
If you’re growing weak, perhaps it’s time to open your heart.
4 ways to grow heart:
The trouble with the Grinch was heart, not Whos.
The Whos didn’t change when the Grinch decided to return their gifts. He did.
- Self-reflection paves the way. What do you see when you look within? If you have a grinchy heart, own it. Say, “I’m an angry person,” if you’re frequently angry.
- Self-deception is real. What do others see when they see you? Ask a truth-teller – who knows you – to list your recurring emotional states.
- Reconnect with purpose. The Grinch realized that Christmas was more than gifts. Meaning grows hearts. Find purpose; find heart.
- Express the positive qualities in your heart. You might not be able to eliminate the negative, but you can accentuate the positive.
- Build relationships with Who-like people. Your heart grows to accommodate the people you let in. An open heart is less trouble than a grinchy heart.
What role does heart play in leadership?
How might leaders grow heart?
Another home run here Dan! thanks for being such a consistent help during these pandemic times. I’m a better leader because I read your work! Merry Christmas!
Thanks Brian. Great seeing you here today. You are an encouragement. Keep serving my friend.
What role does heart play in leadership?
I think having a “big heart” gives you optimism, a growth mind-set, and helps you connect with people. All three are very important leadership traits.
How might leaders grow heart?
-Self-reflection
-Assume positive intent–drop the anger
-Volunteer at a soup kitchen
-Make a list of your blessings
Thanks Paul. You make me think that we should act with an open hand if we want an open heart.
Lots here – thank you Dan.
I like — Self-deception is real. What do others see when they see you? Ask a truth-teller – who knows you – to list your recurring emotional states —
One of my over used phrases “you can’t see your own Golf swing, so I need your help to find what I’m messing up.” …those voices who see and tell truth — that we are open to hear — they are golden.
Thanks Ken. Your golf swing statement is a keeper. I’ll be using it. 🙂
..please do :), I quote you frequently…
Lots to think about here! You’re spot on. We can’t be afraid to hear the truth when it is given.
Thanks Joan. I wish you well on the journey.
My dad went to his AA sponsor early in his sobriety with many complaints and problems with many people. The sponsor asked dad, “ What’s the common denominator here?” When dad couldn’t answer, the sponsor said, “It’s you.” Dad said that revelation opened a new world for him for the rest of his successfully sober life.
Thanks Scott. So powerful and painful. It’s interesting that the most useful insights sometimes come painfully.
A powerful message: we need to open ourselves more. A very good article for us to take courage and move forward and change ourselves first! Thanks.
Thanks Gemini…now if we can just move from knowing it in our head to practicing it in our life.
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” So how are some ways in doing this. Start with how you communicate either vocally or via email. Be kind in your tone, be respectful and find some way for you to close it out in a good way. I always close out my emails by “Thank You” and “Have a Grateful Day”. I have found this does make a difference (that left road less taken) in how others respond to me. I drive it home in all I do, try it and see how it affects you and how others respond to you.
Thank you Roger. Love your suggestions for being the change. You had me at “be kind.” 🙂