In this article in the series of “Catalytic Leadership”, we’ll see about how leaders understand people
Once a student was travelling by bus. The bus was a bit crowded, yet he got a seat.
In one of the stops, he saw his teacher board the bus. The teacher saw him too.
When the teacher came near, the student, in respect, tried to stand up and offer his seat to the teacher.
The teacher replied at his gesture, “I am happy for the respect you have for me. I am your teacher and you are my student, only in the college; however this is a bus, here were are just passengers, so please be seated”
The student sat back in his seat.
After a few stops, the student stood again. The teacher thought that his student was still feeling uncomfortable having his teacher standing.
He said, “Oh no, boy! The respect in your heart is enough, please be seated” and made the student sit back in the seat.
Again after a few stops, the student rose again. The teacher now said, “Not again, please be seated”
The student was at the verge of crying and he told the teacher. “Sir, The stop that I should have gotten down was way back, but you just brought me far off, forcing me to sit. If you would please let me, I’ll get down here”
Only then the teacher realised, that it was respect when the boy stood for the first time and in the remaining instances the boy had a different purpose.
Catalytic leaders don’t set a perception about someone based on their actions. This avoids any reactions that may ensue because of that perception. But, they do have a complete understanding of one’s capabilities
Image Credits: Pixabay