The 800 lb. gorilla

Most leaders don’t realize that they are an 800 lb. gorilla. They think that they are normal human beings. They can say and do what they feel like saying or doing. Followers look at leaders in a different light. They put them on a pedestal, high above the rest of mortal men.

For that reason, the closer we get to our leaders, the more we see them, warts and all, the more disappointed we become. When they hit their thumb with a hammer and let fly with a plethora of adults-only language, we are disappointed that they are unable to control their tempers.

When they don’t notice all of the effort we are putting in to make them successful, we feel demoralized and unappreciated. When they reach down to scratch their toe, dozens of us begin to start task force size teams designed to eliminate itchy toes. The poor gorilla doesn’t know what he is doing to his followers. He can’t help the anointing, the mantle. He also can’t help that he is a human being.

Someday I will find a leader who understands my unique gifts and calling and will give me permission to be all that I am called to be. No itching toes, or lack of appreciation and therefore no hoodabada flowing from my lips!