Seized with panic and shock we ran towards the scene of the accident, but we didn't know what to do...someone raced to get the scoutmaster, who made his way towards the scene. But he didn't run, he didn't seem to realise it was an emergency. And this made us cross. His whole attitude appeared casual, undramatic. He just walked purposefully towards the fallen boy. Afterwards he told us why - it was a first lesson in a different sort of leadership. He told us that he needed a few moments to think; he'd needed time to weigh up the situation because his first action had to be the right one. If the fall turned out to be as bad as he feared, there might be no opportunity for a second action. He also walked so he wouldn't be out of breath if he needed to give the boy mouth to mouth resuscitation. Actually, this was precisely what was needed. The boy was saved.
You see, it is not always best to be in a hurry.
Sometimes the best leadership requires stillness and composure. Then the right decisions are taken. Then the difficult decisions are faced.
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I want to dream a different way of leading, and my first point is this: creativity is usually cultivated in the soil of contemplation.
Hit the Ground Kneeling, Stephen Cottrell, p1-4
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