I just saw the musical of the Lion King at the Providence Performing Arts Center. I had seen it two other times on Broadway over 20 years ago and all the performances were pure Disney magic. I highly recommend it.
Towards the end of the show, Simba who is now a full-grown lion, is still trying to determine who he is. His menacing Uncle Scar had convinced Simba that he had killed his father, Mufasa, so that is why he had run away. In reality, Scar murdered Mufasa. It took Rafiki, the eccentric and sage beast, to show Simba that although his father has passed, he still lives within him. This is depicted by Simba looking in a pool of water where he not only sees himself but also Mufasa’s image.
As the show comes to its conclusion, Simba now reigns over the kingdom and he introduces his new infant daughter, Kiara. Although she does not know it yet but her father and others will be a part of who she is too.
That got me thinking of who we all are…
The answer is that although we are unique, we each possess pieces of other people:
- Family Members
- Mentors
- Bosses
- Colleagues
- Friends, etc.
They live within us and appear sometimes when we least expect it. This could be brought on by a song, a memory, a tradition, or a passage in a movie.
For me, my father resides in me when I teach my negotiations class. He had instilled in me two phrases that even now my former students remember; “talk is cheap” and “you can never negotiate up; you can only negotiate down”. So my father lives within them too!
My two mentors, John and Brian, have also been a part of me.
These two men have known me a long time and have generously helped me with my career.
One time I was being a bit whiny about a client situation and Brian said he would give me five more minutes to air my frustrations and then that was it. John not only gave me sage advice but also recommended me for my first job at KPMG.
Their comments over the years reappear when I least expect it and I definitely feel their presence.
Of course, some could be a part of you that brings out the worst in you.
As an example, if Simba had stayed but let Scar still rule the kingdom, Simba could of learned treacherous ways to lead the others. He could learn that manipulation and scaring someone is the best way to get others to do what you want.
I had a former boss that was like that very early on in my career.
Luckily for me I had others I could talk to about his behavior and realize that the learning lesson was not to follow what he did but do the exact opposite.
As leaders, you may not realize it but you do make an impression on others, including those that you may barely interact with, especially if it is a large company.
Your
actions,
tone of voice,
mannerisms, etc.
can evoke positive action which makes employees inspired, not just for the organization but also for themselves personally.
Take time to look in that wading pool like Simba did and see who is looking back at you. It may be time to recognize those that live within you and how they influence your decision making.
At some point, you will step down as a leader and the Circle of Life will continue so how can you help the next generation of leaders and others be successful?
