If you think about it, our leadership stories often have a lot in common with the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears…
Much like Goldilocks, being a leader requires us to venture out into the forest not sure of what we will discover.
- And like Goldilocks, we have to be willing to take that walk in the woods.
- And like Goldilocks, once we stumble upon an unknown place, if we knock and no one answers, we still have to be willing to step through that door in the name of discovery.
- And like Goldilocks, leaders have to be willing to try a variety of porridges, chairs and beds to discover what is best for ourselves and our organization.
What does the story of Goldilocks and Three Bears tell us as leaders.
- Leaders have to be pioneers and be willing to explore new lands.
- Leaders have to be willing to go first and open a lot of closed doors.
- Leaders have to be willing to be learners and model that mindset for the organization.
And while Goldilocks was in search of the most comfortable, she was still willing to be uncomfortable to find it.
As leaders, we have to be willing to step out of our comfort zone and try a lot things that might not be the right fit, if we are to discover a better way of doing, being, even seeing. We have to be willing to spend time in the uncomfortable.
If we are going to get to better.
DCulberhouse 
Couldn’t agree with point 3 more. Leaders must lead by being in and amongst their staff, learning together. There certainly comes a time and place where leaders must make important decisions, but these decisions are made through careful consideration and by truly listening to those around them. Yes, take that walk in the woods, step through the door to discover and learn what is best for their organization but most importantly model a growth mindset that sets the stage for others to realize their greatness.
Yes, lead from the front, don’t push from behind. Let people see us do it before we direct it, whatever “it” is. In our school district there has been a attention on collaboration and inquiry: our superintendent (@Patrick_Bocking) revamped the District’s professional development regime so all staff could collaborate in (teacher, SETA, admin., or mixed) inquiry groups and then he gave time and precious financial resources to support people’s plans. The model wasn’t designed to promote “quick fixes,” but rather imagined inquiries that would last many months. Folks are now seeing and experiencing this model for themselves and it has become more common to see employed in the classrooms of our schools. Let’s remember that leadership occurs at all levels in our system. Perhaps the biggest measure of our success as adults is when we see it occur at the student level.