Get Over It

Just having got over a cold that has lasted for 4 weeks had me thinking about other things in life we have to 'get over'.

The failed romance - we are told - "you'll get over it"
Losing a golf competition - we are told - "you'll get over it"
Getting into debt and seeing no way out - "you'll get over it"
Losing a client - "you'll get over it"

Why is it such a popular expression? What is it we have to get over?

Getting over something suggests an obstacle, barrier, or some other frustration which prevents us for carrying on as normal. And it is this carrying on as normal that is the problem.

The world is changing rapidly around us. You've heard the adage 'better, faster, with less'. If we carry on as normal we are surely getting left behind. So what we have to get over is a state of being that does not see the need to change. This applies to our role as leaders almost more than any other situation.

This was amply demonstrated in a module of one of our training programmes when the group finally decided that what they had to 'get over' was thinking about themselves and devote their time and attention to others. Once they let go of their ego's and concentrated entirely upon the needs of others they showed up more powerfully, more assertive, more in control, more caring, more generous.

Leaders need followers - you've heard that before - so what would you follow. The lead that somebody provides that is entirely in your interests or someone whose ego is needing to be fed?

Talk to us about servant leadership!

David Pickering