All for Want of a Horseshoe Nail

The primary role for us as leaders is to Lead by Example. An important element of that is to Value People.

Value people is a direct outcome of leading with emotional intelligence. A simple definition of emotional intelligence is the ability to use your emotions to communicate with and relate to others effectively and constructively.

We create that emotional connection through empathy and compassion.

But often, in the middle of an issue, a challenge, or a problem we look for shortcuts, forgetting we are a role model, and ignoring the needs and concerns of others.

There is a sample tale that reminds us, that the littlest of things are always important.

For want of a nail, the shoe was lost;

For want of the shoe, the horse was lost;

For want of the horse, the rider was lost;

For want of the rider, the battle was lost;

For want of the battle, the kingdom was lost;

And all from the want of a horseshoe nail.

Don't let time pressure or conflicting issues keep you from Leading by Example.

Don't allow your team to fail all for the want of a horseshoe nail.