Ampersand Leadership

I recently read a post by Chris Bailey: If leadership were a punctuation mark, what would it be?

I quickly wrote a comment to Chris as I thought the post was very effective in thinking about leadership and distilling the essence to a short symbol. I made some spelling and grammar errors in the comments as I was excited and I wanted to react right away to his questions on leadership.

I have never been one to write within the lines but I love the simplicity of Chris’ question. The symbol I latched on to was the ampersand. I love how the ampersand’s function is to join. As leaders we join people together and we focus on results & relationships.

After further reflection there were a few other thoughts I had about the “&” symbol and leadership. I think we need more improvisation in leadership and one of the central functions is to say “yes and…” When we “ampersand” others input we help co-create and bring out the best from both of us.

In conclusion, I like how the ampersand looks like someone sitting and meditating. I think most leaders would benefit from a more mindful, reflective, or meditative approach to our practice of leadership.

Thanks Chris & that’s the way I see it & & & not . . .

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