THE 'JOY' OF LEADERSHIP.

It's easy to get burned out in leadership, but its also possible to maintain leadership joy. Most folks over 40 will recall The Joy of Painting, a 'how to paint' TV show hosted by artist, Bob Ross, that achieved broad success throughout the 80s. Like many folks, I found the show engaging. Mind you, this was a well kept secret during my youth - not exactly something you share with the fellas before a pickup 3 on 3 basketball game! Nonetheless, I was intrigued and inspired by Ross' ability to seemingly create something from nothing (e.g. "happy little trees"), and his attendant 'joy' while doing so. Today, what I remember most about Bob Ross - not to mention his characteristic "Afro" (I only recently discovered he achieved this with a 'perm;' mystery solved) and smooth jazz voice - are two of his sayings ('Rossisms') that he frequently shared with his viewers, which also connect to the idea of maintaining 'leadership joy.' First, Bob would often say, "it's hard to see things when you are too close. Take a step back and look." Leaders need time to get off of the dance floor and take a look from the balcony; time to engage in fire prevention and not just fire suppression. When leaders strategize, reflect and rest, renewal is a natural byproduct. Second, Bob was known to quip when something happened with a painting that he didn't originally intend, "there are no mistakes, just happy accidents." And while there are some mistakes that a leader can't afford to make, most leadership errors are recoverable and can even be helpful when viewed from the right perspective. A leader who gives themselves and others grace to creatively pivot after mistakes provides space for unanticipated innovation and unforeseen advancement. #LeadWithJoy

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