“What’s Your Leadership Style?” “Basically Immature.”

Once in a job interview a senior executive leaned forward, and asked THE question.

“So tell me, Dannielle…what would you say is your leadership style?”

I looked at her. I looked at the group. I couldn’t take how serious they were. I mean for goodness sake, we weren’t negotiating Middle East peace here.

“Basically immature,” I answered and then started laughing.

My husband said later, “I can’t talk to you about this. I can’t believe it.”

He just couldn’t believe it. It’s true. “You threw the interview. Why?”

“I was just being honest,” I said.

My daughter said, “I love it.”

“You didn’t want it,” said my husband.

True, they all blinked when I said that. It was all of them. At least that’s what it felt like. A big collective blink.

“You really are a seven-year-old. I don’t get it,” my husband said.

“Instant gratification. That is you.”

But it was the truth.

I believe in total immaturity if you’re going to lead people.

I believe in Peter Pan.

In appealing to their most basic, childlike desires.

To their sense of awe, of wonder, of curiosity.

I believe that work is fun. It’s supposed to be fun.

If it’s not fun then why are you here? Why are you alive?

It is not a sin to be happy. It’s what we’re made for.

Happiness is a sign that you’re on the right track. And sadness means you’ve embarked on the wrong one.

Never be afraid to cry like a baby, or to laugh like a seven-year-old.

Your feelings should be trusted. Balanced with logic, they’ll never lead you astray.

___
All opinions my own and do not represent those of my agency or the federal government. Photo via Wikipedia.