Readings on elemental styles and authentic leadership- 8.30.2011

After my overly zealous rain dance, the timed sprinklers on campus got their revenge as I was hosed in an unsuspecting and well maneuvered attack while walking home.  See if I do anything cultural anytime soon for MSU.

I like the idea of being Air and Fire.  I am all heart and pretty heady for the most part.  Getting a 15 for air and an 18 for fire brings out the curiosity in me.  I breezed through chapters 2 and 3 unsure of what team exactly I was to be helping to assess.  I like to stretch time and space and well, if Leonardo DiCaprio can dream within a dream. . . I can say I love organizers, clear structures, philosophy, and yes, even fighting time. 

Being authentic means almost counter intuitively to go against being a man.  I appreciate honesty, more than that tough, I practice being vulnerable.  Bill George seems legit.  In purpose I lead with vision, vision for a movement, vision for empowerment, vision that is robust and flexible.  With values, I've been told I display an unusual amount of emotional intelligence because I value relationships so deeply and highly.  I like to let people know that I love them and am grateful they in my life- and most times it's simply listening that nurtures and fosters the strength to proceed forward. In relationships I value intimacy.  I once received a post with a X and O.  often times when I communicate with this person, I get and X and an O and a :) and a <3.  That's pure.  In heart I look well beyond my limits and means most times because I believe fruitfulness, legacy, and investment count for a lot.  If that means altruism- pure or misguided, I model it wherever I can.  If that means I sacrifice a meal so a dear one can eat, walking a half a mile to unlock a building so a friend can feel comfort, or simply say "how you doing?" when it doesn't seem appropriate, I do it.

Self discipline it continually repeating, struggling to do, and improving the four other aspects.     

N.E.R.D.