As I was sitting across the table in the apartment we had rented on a recent visit to Brazil to meet my daughter-in-law’s family for the first time, I observed a 9-year-old girl, named Antonia, with a forlorn look on her face.
In her hand was a well-sharpened pencil. I learned the night before that Antonia likes to draw.
I grabbed my phone to invite the help of Google Translate to ask Antonia in Portuguese if she would like some paper. Her face lit up. She knew enough English to say yes!
I returned a minute later with some drawing paper I borrowed from my stepdaughter who was on the trip with us. She was drawing something for work the night before, which piqued Antonia’s interest – that’s how I learned of her interest in drawing.
With clean fresh drawing paper carefully laid in front of her and a sharpened pencil at the ready, she began to draw. I asked her what she was going to draw. She excitedly responded, YOU! I was shocked, surprised, and intrigued.
She then asked if it was OK if she drew me using an anime style. I nodded and gave her two thumbs up. I tried hard not to watch her work but I was fascinated by how she would look at me and then perform her artistry magic.
Within 20 minutes, she asked me to close my eyes so she could present her artwork to me.
I was astonished! It was amazing. I was so honored and touched by the work this little girl did, and that she chose me to draw.
Her face was beaming as I walked around to show everyone her fantastic work.
This exchange with a little girl reminded me of a few simple, yet profoundly impactful things leaders can do to get the best work out of their teams and create strong and sustained followership and results. Over time, you can make life-long friends, too.
- Enable. Antonia had some of the tools she needed to produce her work, but not all. Give your people the tools they need to succeed.
- Encourage. When Antonia told me the style of drawing she planned to use, I let her use it and told her I was excited to see how the drawing would turn out. Let your people know you trust them and have their backs, then let them do their thing.
- Praise. Antonia not only got a big high five and hug from me on top of multiple “ogbrigados” (thank you in Portuguese), but I also showed off her work with everyone who joined us on our family vacation and many people since. Express your thanks and gratitude for what your people accomplish and let others know. Be their biggest fan.
Antonia deserves another high-five and thank you for making this drawing for me and for being an astonishing young lady. She is also the only person under 40 who caught a tilapia on our fishing excursion.
The lesson in leadership this little girl reminded me of is this. Leaders who enable people with the right tools, provide encouragement, and offer praise enjoy sustained success.
To your prosperity!
