How to Tame a Wolverine
Professor Charles Xavier. Teacher. Leader. Mentor. Mutant.
Professor X is the world’s most powerful telepath. He can manipulate people’s minds with his own will. He can tap into the psyche of human beings across the globe…all from the comfort of his weaponized wheelchair.
Some of you are thinking: Who is Charles Xavier. To you I say…I’m sorry you’ve missed out.
In any case…Professor X has the ability to manipulate thought. He can make you ‘do’…anything he wants you to do.
But make no mistake, Chuck understands that if he wants you to take sustainable action, that is to say, to follow him…he can’t just manipulate your thoughts. He must LEAD.
He must take the responsibility of making sure you have all the tools, all the knowledge, all the insight and clarity…to follow him.
He must accept the fact that if he wants you to follow, then he must ensure that you believe.
That is the root of leadership.
It doesn’t matter that he can manipulate our mind with his mutant powers. It wouldn’t matter if he could threaten you with the loss of a job or money. It doesn’t matter that you may listen to him because he’s an elder, or in a position of responsibility, or has a wheelchair that can shoot small explosives at you. (yes…his wheelchair is weaponized)
Those things don’t matter because without belief, they are temporary.
If Professor X wants you to follow him into battle, or work an extra shift, or brush your teeth before bed…you might comply for any of the reasons we’ve cited. But if you don’t believe in WHY he wants you to follow him, you will have to be convinced again, the next time, to do the same.
Professor X will have to employ the same tactics, over and over and over, to get your cooperation.
That is not leadership.
Leadership takes the responsibility of ensuring everyone on your team, everyone in your family, everyone within the sphere you wish to influence…understands your why.
And once they understand your why, and once they see you committed to the actions that make that WHY a reality…then, they will start to believe.
Today I wish to be a better leader. For my team, for my family, and for myself.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and to become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams
