Because everything we say and do is the length and shadow of our own souls, our influence is determined by the quality of our being.
- Dale Turner
There is a story about a man who complains to his therapist that there is a person, very much like himself, that is following him everywhere. He can't escape the presence of this person and he is threatened and scared by him. Whatever he does, this man mocks him. The therapist asks whether he has sought help from the authorities to keep this man from bothering him. The man simply replies, "You don't understand, my shadow is with me in everything I do - how could I possibly get away from him?"
Every leader must recognize that you too cast a shadow you cannot escape, for good or ill. That is right, you are a leader. Now, when I say 'leader' I do not mean "CEO" or "Chief / VP / Director or Manager of anything." I do not mean to point to a block on an organization chart. Leaders are everywhere, even in the very chair you occupy as you read my words. If you don't see yourself as a leader let's change that right now. There, you are one. If you interact with people and have an opportunity to provide insight, learning, direction, caring, help or results of any kind, you are a leader. You may be excellent at leading or poor, and that is the point of this thinking today.
You see, each of us casts a real shadow like the one our friend on the therapists sofa. But we also cast a figurative shadow with every word we speak, every email we send and every decision we make. Students of middle school mathematics learn to calculate the length and area of a shadow cast by an object. They can also work backwards to tell you about the object based on the size and shape of the shadow.
Your shadow is much the same. People who are touched by your shadow either are energized by it, or simply blocked out from the sun. You either build up and clarify or you tear down and muddy the water. Your shadow either stays on the surface or reaches to people's souls. Your shadow either takes, or gives. Much like our math students, people can - and do - tell much about you by looking at your shadow. The energizing (or frightening part if you've never thought about it) part of this is that your shadow touches people every day!.
Here are some thoughts I'd ask you take into this day - to choose to cast a shadow that builds; that energizes; that makes people better for having been within it.
1. Think about your shadow? Before you leave your office/cube/desk/truck, before you answer that email, before you call your client you must think consciously about the shadow you are casting. This is particularly important when you are having difficult conversations that require candor and resolution. Difficult things can be done in such a way - with proper thought - that others feel that they've been treated fairly, openly and honestly. Your shadow will leave an imprint - don't leave it to chance.
2. Think and speak well of others. I believe it's impossible to cast a shadow that builds others up without generally thinking well of people, what they're doing and who they are. If you are in the habit of thinking or speaking poorly of anyone, put that away - it's beneath you. You must also develop the ability to rise above petty discussions. I once was with a group who had begun tearing down another executive. I pointed out a couple of very valuable traits of that person and, voila!!, the negativity ended.
Negative energy dissipates quickly in the presence of someone who won't permit it to exist. Be that person. Negativity and cynicism is lazy thinking - it's easy. You have to sometimes look for the good in people so do it.
3. Find Opportunities to say 'YES.' I've been known as a problem solver. People have come to feel that I can be given just about any business problem and I will find a way through. I've not known why that's the case until I began writing this. I believe it starts with seeing every problem as solvable. It might not be a straight line and there may be many competing interests but I know there is a balance to all of it - I just have to find it. Having a positive attitude about problems and challenges - isn't that what work is??? - casts a shadow of opportunism and propels others forward.
Today is the day to begin shaping your shadow and the impact it has on those around you.
