Behind a closed door with our hair down and sleeves rolled up while investing in a team’s professional development, I have repeatedly said, “I’m not here to preach that leadership is all rainbows, unicorns, smiley faces and puppy dogs.” I have invited leaders, when needed, to come to my office and bang their head on the wall…. However, I never did hang that classic sign, and no one ever came to take me up on my offer. For this reason, I have pondered and discovered I was wrong…. Yes, leadership is hard, and yes, leadership is rainbows and unicorns.
Say What?
Not every day as a leader is easy, favorable or fun. Each leader must come to grips with the fact that every loss is your fault and every victory is your team’s. We are the coach, the cheerleader and the disciplinarian, the bearer of bad news.
So often we think of only the good – the conventional rainbows and unicorns. I would encourage leaders to ponder the presence of rainbows and unicorns in the less than Kodak moments. Where are unicorns in the face of challenge? Right where they have always been.
We are Unicorns
Let’s recall what unicorns are. “Unicorn” is the term employed by HR professionals and talent champions who believe in the special nature and unrepeatability of each member of the workforce. Talent is unique and presents innate value to organizations.
Part of being a leader is seeing unicorns at their best and their worst. Their identity and character do not change. Leaders remain called upon to support and protect them, even if that includes some tough love.
If we remember whom we work with - unicorns, even in dark hours, we can lean on our resilience and pay the respect deserved by all parties. When the going gets tough, remember your unicorns.
When It Rains, It Pours
So, what about rainbows? Often, we think of rainbows as a pleasant joy in serene skies. Lest we forget that rainbows appear after a storm. When in those storms, may we always remember the colors present, especially those present under the surface. How does our diversity of thought, background, perspective, specialty, etc. cast variations in the potential solutions we can craft that will bring us out of a storm? May we not bow to the dark and dismal. Let’s embrace the colors lurking under the surface, welcome all ideas and create our own pots of gold.
When We are Not Feeling Warm & Fuzzy
Not every day as a leader will be pleasant. If we make the choice to view our tough days as ones where we can build rainbows and acknowledge unicorns, then magical things can happen.
Harnessing our power and potential as leaders unleashes and elevates others. Extending these metaphors just a bit further, let’s consider:
When teetering on the tip of an issue or seemingly pinned in a tough spot (perhaps by a unicorn horn), the true colors of leaders are revealed. Are we prepared and equipped for that? What skills do we need to cultivate in order to be ready?
Unicorns are often viewed as disruptors; how do we embrace them and create a workplace where novel ideas are welcomed and authenticity reigns?
Rainbows ebb and flow; they arc. Not every challenge will be a straight line. The journey is worth it. Lessons come from the hills and valleys. Go the distance.
We do not always have to agree or match. The greatness of rainbows is each color’s dynamic role. Each is necessary. Remain true to yourself; appreciate what others bring to the sky.
Do not forget, you are a unicorn chasing and crafting rainbows, too. The difference is you lead the pack. Point your horn due north and lead in a direction you will be proud to look back on when the rainbow rises.
To the Point
Leadership is all rainbows and unicorns….if we choose to see it that way.
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