More about the Plunger...
I received a lot of emails about the Plunger story. Not enough to terrify the providers of my email account, but enough to make the Loved One a little nervous. Even the ferocious Yorkshire terrier was shaking in his boots.
One reader commented to me that "Surely, if the executives at your friend's organization thought she was that valuable, she wouldn't be expected to plunge toilets. Maybe she thinks too much of herself."
Another writes "Odd that you would choose this sort of theme for a leadership website."
Exactly my point.
It is time that we change the way we think about the concept of leadership. I believe it was Smartypants that posted earlier this week that there seemed to be no great social leaders left. We are no longer encouraging the cultivation of maverick thought and creative invention.
Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, organizational situations, and classifications. They are managers, receptionists, owners, and newly hired entry level employees. All have a contribution to make. Some will be brilliant, others will be mediocre but all will be worth hearing.
Whether you subscribe to the trait theory of leadership or the more situational based theories, you will still think of some more inclined to follow in the footsteps of others than take up the charge themselves. That's okay... What we are missing in today's workplace, and yes, in society in general, is a willingness to look outside of the CEOs and political figures for our inspiration. Good ideas come from the most unexpected of places and often from the most unorthodox people...
Brandy Gilbert
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Reader Comments (2)
you rock! there is nothing so eloquent as using a plunger as a metaphor for life. i believe those who "pick up the plunger" get far more kudos than scorn. it's like the kids in school who make fun of the doers because they are afraid to do.
Interesting point...there are always two extremes in workplace - the "doers" and the "point and laughers". It is much less risky to point and laugh at someone who may be venturing outside of their comfort zone to get the job done than to do the same yourself. It is a shame, however, that the "doers" often require less false reassurance and demand less in general from their leaders. Unfortunately their contributions are often overlooked in the general scheme of things. Public appreciation for the "doer" does much to discontinue the behavior of the point and laugh crowd. They do this because they can, because no one tells them that the person they ridicule is valuable. Its a shame really.