As a child I hated playing Follow the Leader. I could stand it a little longer if I WAS the leader but most often I became tired and bored. Simply doing what the leader did, stepping where they stepped, moving the way they moved and waving my arms like the leader did nothing for me. I’d often break off and go watch the boys play tag.
Marco Polo, however, would keep me busy all recess long. Simple concept –a “lost” someone calls MARCO...the “hidden” someone shouts POLO until the two parties find each other. When they do, one heads off again – leading the way, making it a little harder this time. MARCO searches and then calls out. POLO returns the shout and again, they find each other. It’s a good game.
That little element of discovery made all the difference.
Being a leader doesn’t mean forcing people to follow in your footsteps. Sometimes people need to discover their path on their own ...with just a little guidance along the way.
Any Marcos shouting for you?
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Taken from the latest installment of 60-Second Insights, an occasional newsletter of JennéInk. I’ll be back to posting about important stuff – like my hair – next time.
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