Leadership Lessons from Winnie the Pooh

One of my favorite children’s books is also a great read for adults – “Winnie-the-Pooh,” by A.A. Milne. There are some great leadership lessons to come from the characters in this book. Here is one of my favorite exchanges between Pooh and Piglet:

      “When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “what’s the first thing you say to yourself?”
      “What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?”
      “I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet.
      Pooh nodded thoughtfully. “It’s the same thing,” he said.

Often as leaders we approach each day with our long list of things we “have” to do. What if we approached the day like Piglet, wondering what exciting things will happen? Would it change our demeanor? Would we be a bit more upbeat and approachable?

Lately in our COVID world, some of the exciting things haven’t always been the good kind of exciting. I find, though, that when I focus on what I get to do, instead of have to do, exciting things do happen. If you don’t think every day is a good day, just try missing one.

Stay positive. Exciting (good) things are waiting to be discovered! And if you need something good in your life, pick up one of A.A. Milne’s classics and be warmed, inspired and delighted by the friendships of the characters in the Hundred Acre Wood.
 

This Month's Guest Writer

Karen Gregerson
President & CEO
The Farmers Bank, Frankfort