October 31st, 2009
Let’s speak with true candor. Leadership Education not only strongly advises that you are one step ahead of those being led at all times, but that to the best of the leader’s ability, a demeanor of calm confidence is displayed. This would give the illusion impression of stability and competence to those following your lead. And we all know the old adage that you have ONE CHANCE to make that first impression. As a parent, I have often wondered, what then, we are supposed to be doing with the MILLIONS of following impressions?!…But never mind. That’s for a later discussion.
Back to the 120 degree garage where the simulation of a trial was being conducted. Since #5’s toe-tapping exercise had now been replaced with a healthy level of voice modulation; he had my complete and undivided attention. I quickly and smoothly switched to plan “B”. Perhaps that is slightly overstated. Plan B began to manifest itself beautifully, as we continued to dialogue.
“#5, you look hot.” ” That’s because I AM hot. ” And we’re in this garage, looking for a costume that I asked you for days and days and days to find.” ” That’s because I knew you’d lost it, mom.” “#5, what if it is this warm for Halloween?”
This was clearly a consideration that his then seven-year-old mind hadn’t quite yet processed. “Then when you put all that white makeup junk on my face, I’m going to shweat (the seven-year-old pronunciation for sweat) it all off into my eyes and my suit.” He is now looking quite unsure of himself, where pressing the issue of this particular costume choice is concerned.
“Would you like to consider wearing something else in case it’s too hot for felt?” ” It IS too hot for felt. It’s always too hot for felt.” “I’ve told you that lots of times when the shweat sweat is pouring off of my face and making that white and black stuff go in my eyes…”
How about being “Nacho Libre?” Since we are newfound friends here, understand a couple of truths that are practically eternal. I rarely go to, or watch, movies or television. I need a good reason. I would just rather do other things. Like read. Or read some more. This doesn’t make me better or worse than anyone who has an opposite viewpoint. It’s just trivia for knowing me better.
I would rather consider being blind than watch Nacho Libre ever again. It was one of the most mindless activities I’ve participated in since the last time I cleaned a bathroom. On this particular day, however, I was toying with calling The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in Hollywood and asking them to reconsider nominating Nacho Libre for some sort of an Academy Award. Any category they were willing to consider would do. And I was going to add it to our list of “core movies” if my plan worked. No, really. Flexibility is a constant when educating the leaders of tomorrow…or at least those that are seven.
More to follow…
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