Scientists have demonstrated for years that humans mimic other humans. While many of us scoff at the “monkey see, money do” mentality, get angry at people who are “sucking up to us” or allow our egos to be stroked by such mimicry, it is a natural human experience that most of us should understand on a better level in order to be better people.
Being mirrored by someone who has been practicing the art for years is an interesting experience to witness and feel.
One person years ago labeled me as Mirror Man because he thought I had mastered the art. He also noted that the powers of Mirror Man can lift you up or tear you down …. depending on how good or evil you are. :-)
For example ….
People who don’t like to be pushed into decisions find that I am equally relaxed about not forcing them into one (as long as the time is available to think, of course) and they appreciate that I give them the space to muse about appropriate decisions.
Others who are aggressive in strategic execution find that my non-compromising passion for successful execution built upon respect, transparency, collaboration and intelligent strategy strongly resonates with their outlook to create success.
When one’s desires and actions are reflected in the desires and actions of others, we find resonance in purpose and results (not necessarily style, but a difference in style can be a necessary thing).
However, what happens when one’s stated desires are not in resonance with one’s actions and in turn, the values of Mirror Man?
Well … then it gets complicated.
When one talks about being audacious about success, implores everyone around them to be the same and then does little to lead by example, results-focused superheroes like Mirror Man can be perceived as an enemy instead of a friend.
When one talks about values like respect and collaboration while tearing the limbs off others, then Mirror Man is probably not going to be found in your corner defending your actions.
When a leader chants the mantra of transparency while living a Life of mystery, intrigue and secrets, Mirror Man’s style of authenticity will probably rub you the wrong way.
A leader who espouses the importance of strong strategy and tactics while executing with reckless abandon will probably find that Mirror Man has long left the building.
And when a leader chooses a style of bullying as his / her means of inspiring results, then they find that Mirror Man is the immovable object who doesn’t tolerate such behavior.
Authenticity is a choice … and offers an invitation
To be authentic, to be congruent in thought, word and action, attracts others to us that help move us towards mutually agreed upon results.
When relationships are in congruence, the results and the great memories that are produced last a lifetime. Such memories bring smiles and tears of joy every time one reflects upon them.
Conversely, when one is not congruent in thought, word and action, both within ourselves and with others, we may perceive others as being obstacles to our success or impediments to manifesting our dreams when in fact such events are a call to look within instead of consistently blaming everyone else.
And when we have looked within, gotten over the anger or sadness and learned our lesson, then the calling card of the Mirror Man makes sense:
If my letter made you sad, I am not sorry I wrote it. At first I was sorry, because it made you sad, but you were sad only for a short time. Now I am happy, not because you were made sad, but because your sorrow made you change your lives. - 2 Corinthians 7:8-9a. (NCV)
The old mantra “Do as I say (or demand) … not as I do” doesn’t work in business …..
…. or in Life.
In service and servanthood,
Mirror Man (Harry)
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