What kind of leader are you?

What kind of leader are you? Now, you are about to tell me that you are not a leader, aren’t you? That is simply not true. Are you someone’s boss or supervisor? Are you a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle? Are you a brother or sister? Actually, unless you are reading this blog from your bomb shelter deep in the mountains, you are a leader to someone. Even then, the local tribe of Sasquatches is probably learning from your example so even you are not off the hook!
What kind of leader are you? Do you know the difference between a shepard and a sheepherder? Picture them both in your head- a shepard leads his flock of sheep. He walks in front of them to show the way. He sleeps with them at night to comfort and protect them. He knows and loves each of his flock intimately. He is gentle, kind and firm. He is loved.
A sheepherder drives his sheep in front of him. He rides a horse so that he is above the flock. He uses his dogs to keep the sheep in line. He does not really know one sheep from another nor does he care to. He is harsh, demanding and punitive. He is feared.
I was reminded of this comparison last week at our class. The presenter put the words teacher and enforcer on the board as she discussed children and discipline. A teacher uses discipline to teach correct behaviors- a shepard! An enforcer uses punishment to stop bad behaviors- a sheepherder!
What kind of leader are you? The shepards of the world inspire. The sheepherder intimidates. Do you want to be feared or loved? Do you want to inspire or intimidate? Do you want to teach or enforce?
Spend some time this 4th of July to think of the leaders that first established this country. Think of the type of leaders they were trying to break away from. And ask yourself again and again- what kind of leader am I?
That’s the view from my side of the street, what’s yours?