We are preparing for a John Maxwell workshop on Leadership Gold. While preparing we were reminded of the principle of don't send your ducks to eagle school.
What on Earth does that even mean? It means it is useless spinning our wheels attempting to turn ducks into eagles. With our best intentions, we often try to develop people into roles that are not for them.
This doesn't work first because it frustrates the ducks. Leadership comes down to putting people into positions that they will succeed in. We too often find technically skilled individuals in high behavioral and leader-driven positions. We hope they will in time turn into the right kind of leader instead of putting them where their abilities lie. They struggle and hate it.
This also doesn't work because it frustrates the eagles. People who are like each other tend to like each other. Putting the ducks with the eagles tends to leave the eagles impatient in their attempts to soar.
Last, this doesn't work because it will frustrate yourself. We have all brought people under our wings leaving us scratching our heads. No matter the motivation, resources, training and opportunities, they just couldn't raise their lid.
Remember the rhyme: Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat, where have you been? I've been to London to visit the queen. Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat, what did you do there? I frightened a little mouse under the chair. The Cat acted like a cat regardless of the opportunity because he was a cat!
Eagles were meant to soar. Ducks were meant to swim. Don't send your ducks to eagle school.
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Labels: cornerstone leadership solutions, development, John C. Maxwell, Leadership, Leadership Gold, lincoln, ne, seminar, summit, workshop
