Throughout my book, When in Doubt… Give Them Your Heart, I use stories to communicate my message and prompt reflection. Such an approach is not unique to me. I’m reminded of a book written by the late Colin Powell, a four star general and former Secretary of State. It was entitled, It Worked for Me: In Life & Leadership. In it, he tells the story of the parking garage under the Pentagon. He once asked the parking attendants why his car was always parked near the front thus lessening his wait time at the end of the day while others were several rows back and far less accessible. Their answer was…”Well sir, you connect with us and ask us about our families and seem interested in us as people. So, you’d never be parked in the back.” Powell emphasizes that effective leadership relies on respect for others, hard work, conviction, and human connection. He famously writes, “It is the human gesture that counts.”
If you had to tell one story that defines your leadership, what would it be?
Want to explore how to apply these concepts in your own school, team, or organization? Pick up a copy of Jim Grout’s When In Doubt…Give Them Your Heart. It’s packed with real-world stories and reflection questions designed to help you connect, empower, and lead by example in your own community.