Try a little tenderness
I’m calling an audible to remind everyone that Oddball Leaders strive for kindness EVERY DAY.
Full disclosure: I had another Oddball Leadership post already teed up to share today, but in light of the recent, absolutely abhorrent display by Trunchbull and Vance towards President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, a post about the leadership trait of kindness couldn’t wait. We will talk about belonging next week.
As I write this post, I am not sure I have the ability to be cute, or quippy.
Shame on the President of the United States of America.
The man running our country is not a leader at all, much less an Oddball one.
In fact, his televised interaction with J.D. Vance against Ukrainian President Zelenskyy last week was a master class in How to NOT Lead.
The standing president of the United States of America and his second-in-command are nothing more than basic playground bullies.
An Oddball Leader regards their team with dignity. Sees their individual humanity — their unique personal and professional situations, unique circumstances, and unique sets of challenges and life obstacles. There by, they dole out grace instead of guilt. They understand instead of undermine. They help instead of harm.
An Oddball Leader would not bring a suffering, war-wearied ally into their home, try to shame the ally for the entire world to see, disregard their efforts, taunt their outfit, and then guilt trip their guest for not being more grateful.
Honestly? It’s giving narcissistic parent.
Instead, the Oddball Leader would speak thoughtfully, ask questions, and listen to the pleas of their friend. An Oddball Leader would go out of their way to be kind. An Oddball Leader would dole out grace instead of guilt, and would not assume the worst or acquiesce to cynicism.
We are indeed living in very sad and scary times. We need Oddball Leaders now, more than ever — in our schools, communities, businesses, and government.
ODDBALL LEADERS DON’T FORGET TO BE KIND!
