This post is dedicated to my Mom, the greatest, most impactful, quietest and humblest leader I’ve ever known.
“The best leaders don’t actually lead - they listen, and the way they listen subtly shapes and shifts the listening, and perspective, of those around them. ”
6 Attributes of the Shepherd
Mobility / Flexibility
Adaptability
Optimism / Grit
Empathy
Growth Mindset
Relaxation
The Shepherd Leader
- Leads with Listening
- Encourages Contribution and Leadership
- Creates the Container for individual freedom, group cohesion, and greatness
- Understands and connects by being part of the group
- Sees and serves the big picture
The most impactful leaders don't use flamboyant words or flashy action. They don’t preach, instruct, tell, or teach. The greatest leaders live unnoticed, little seen or heard - celebrated not by name or fame, but rather as the invisible force of possibility and aliveness within each person and situation.
The best leaders don't actually lead - they listen, and the way they listen subtly shapes and shifts the listening, and perspective, of those around them. They listen for space, the opportunity for greatness to emerge in others.
Action Style
Trust
Acts freely and firmly with confidant, humble ease, and high acceptance
We call them Shepherds, these invisible, silent, devoted listeners that guide life into its unique possibility in the simplest of moments. To the Shepherd, leadership flourishes in follower-ship - in the ability to listen, adapt, and serve with patient, steadfast optimism. The shepherd is a watcher who understands the needs of the group, nurtures talent within the group , and encourages expression and contribution of those talents. The Shepherd serves with fortitude and humility. Quiet, yet expansive and powerful, the Shepherd celebrates leadership not as an act, but as an art, a force to be experienced within and entrusted to the entire group.
Who have been the Shepherds in your life? Take a second to celebrate the people who've listened, who've quietly - without pomp or cheer - seen you, and served you - the people who've shaped the way the you listen, and who've made space for you to emerge in your own unique greatness. Celebrate them, and then devote yourself to becoming a Shepherd, a quiet, invisible, and nameless servant of the power in another.
Discover Within, Expand Beyond,
Rachel