The Leadership Trap

It can begin early in life!

It was a delightful September afternoon, and I was savouring the desk-break, tidying up the garden a bit.

Along the sidewalk came 3 school kids. One about 12, one about 9 and the third, howling, about 6 years of age. Siblings. 

The older had the youngest by the shoulders, attempting to propel this one forward. The youngest was, unsurprisingly, resisting. The middle one wandered, slightly in front.

“Take my bag” the eldest commanded the middle while dropping their larger heavy backpack on the walk.

“Why do I have to take it?” They asked, struggling to lift the bag and maintain their own load.

“Because I’m the oldest, and I’m responsible for getting this one home!” they barked. 

Meanwhile, the eldest continued to try to physically manipulate the (now quiet) resistant one forward, who leaned backwards into the belly of the elder, trying not to take any steps.

A whisper from years long past chuckled in my brain “for every action there’s an equal and opposite reaction”.

In a moment of frustration or exhaustion, the elder let go. The youngest stood for a moment and then sprinted forward.

 I lost sight of them at that point. I presume all landed home.

But the comment rang in the air long after they had gone.

“I am responsible for. . . “

I could hear the unsaid “and if I fail, I’ll be in trouble. Therefor. . . control!”

The Leadership Trap.