One of the joys of my job these days is research, largely because, as much as I love libraires and bookstores, the internet is just so much more fun! Case in point, sent to my facebook account by a friend, this Youtube video caught my eye:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqMixeRhGfg
You may or may not be a fan of Lady Gaga, but this young man singing a cover version of her song, “Paparazi” can belt out a song. And that’s what got me thinking. Have a look at the video (even for a few seconds) and ask yourself, at aged 12 or so would you have gone onto a stage and sang a song on your own in front of the whole school? I certainly would have thought more than twice about it!
As I’ve mentioned before, thinker Peter Block argues that until your voice has been heard in a meeting, you aren’t really there. And as much as I might quibble with some of that thinking, how often have you self-edited or stayed silent to protect your ego? Or conversely, have you ever thought a question or comment brought up in the group was ‘stupid’ or ‘silly,’ and then said so, or ‘rolled your eyes’, or sighed with impatience? Our job as leaders is to advocate our ideas/perspectives/observations and to inquire of the ideas/perspectives/observations of others. Next time you find yourself sefl-editing, or editing someone else, consider this young man’s courage in using his voice in front of his peers, and know that like you, for most of us, speaking up in a group can require great bravery.