The Slingshot, the River and the Question Every Leader Should Ask

“Daddy, when are you coming home?”

“Daddy, what are you doing?”

Those were the questions my toddler son asked every time I phoned home over the past few days.

So I promised him I'd take some photos to show him what Daddy was up to. 😊

And what a privilege it was.

I had the honour of being the guest speaker at Fancourt's Leadership Academy awards ceremony, celebrating a group of people who had spent the past year investing in themselves and growing as leaders.

I watched their dry run, heard some of the ideas they'd developed, and saw them walk on stage to receive their awards.

What stayed with me most was the genuine smile on each person's face. You could see what the journey meant to them.

My message centred on three questions:

1. What's your slingshot?

We all face giants. The question is, what strengths and resources do we already have to face them?

2. Are you a river or a reservoir?

A reservoir stores water. A river brings life wherever it flows. Leadership is about sharing what we know and leaving people better than we found them.

3. What's it like to be on the other side of me?

To be married to me, work for me, disagree with me or bring me bad news? We all think we're doing a good job. Real growth begins when we're willing to ask others and listen to the answer.

Three simple ideas. A lifetime of practice.

And yes, I've got the photos to show my little boy what Daddy was doing while he was away.

Sometimes, the most important audience is waiting for you at home.