The tortoise style of leadership

Once upon a time there was a hare who, boasting how he could run faster than anyone else, was forever teasing tortoise for its slowness. Then one day, the irate tortoise answered back: “Who do you think you are? There’s no denying you’re swift, but even you can be beaten!” The hare squealed with laughter.

“Beaten in a race? By whom? Not you, surely! I bet there’s nobody in the world that can win against me, I’m so speedy. Now, why don’t you try?”...
 

 

...He leaped and bounded at a great rate, his tongue lolling, and gasping for breath. Just a little more and he’d be first at the finish. But the hare’s last leap was just too late, for the tortoise had beaten him to the winning post. Poor hare! Tired and in disgrace, he slumped down beside the tortoise who was silently smiling at him.  “Slowly does it every time!” he said.

Slow and steady wins the race

This story by Aesop has given me great contemplation this week. Watch the 1934 Disney version of the story to refresh your memory.  I have come to the realization that the tortoise had the goods.  He would have made a great leader.  How?  Remember...

1)  Faithful consistency - people will follow someone they can trust.  That is demonstrated by a sticking to it no matter what.  That means every day, every week, every year.  Keep going no matter how much you are taunted or mocked.

2) Anything accomplished over night can be lost in the same amount of time - the greatest successes take time and cost much.  Don't give up. It is worth it. You will have the satisfaction of winning!

3) Confidence must be developed from within not affirmed from without - Where were the tortoise's cheerleaders and entourage?  He believed he could win and had no one to impress.

4) Don't judge a book by it's cover - The tortoise was everyone's last choice, yet he won the race.  You may not look like a leader, but you can be.  Anyone can be!

Everyone wants to be a hare (or act like it any way).  Yet remember, it was the tortoise who won the race.  Everyone wants to be in charge, but not everyone wants to be a leader.  How about you? 

Cross your Rubicon and be the leader that God has created you to be!