A true leader is able to listen to someone and read between the lines to get at the real root of their problem, instead of reacting to the surface issue and missing the point.
This real world example of a leader really seeing the person in front of them and addressing their need takes the form of middle school principal in Indiana, Jason Smith. He took the time to listen to a student who was sent to him for punishment because he refused to take off his hat, and he learned the student was feeling self-conscious about a bad haircut. Many of us can relate to that feeling, wanting to look our best but feeling like we are falling short, and Smith was no exception. Instead of punishing the student, he offered him a haircut, on the condition that the student return to class after, and the student took him up on it.
Smith took the time to understand the student’s motivation behind his apparent defiance, and in doing so, recognized the humanity of the person in front of him. May we all strive to be so present with all whom we interact.
Hat tip: Upworthy.com
