So. Last week I wrote about a leadership concept that I learned from Rise of the Planet of the Apes. This week? You get treated to the other one I learned: Be a leader worth protecting.
When Caesar ends up in monkey jail, he sees this big ol’ gorilla named Bull. Bull is not nice. But Caesar recognizes that Bull could be an asset to him down the line so he tries to befriend him. Eventually when he is executing his plan, Caesar throws a bottle of the gas that makes the monkeys super smart into Bull’s cage. Caesar has invested time into his relationship with Bull. He knows Bull will be valuable to what he is trying to do.
After they break out and are in their battle with the police on the Golden Gate Bridge, there is a pivotal scene with Bull and Caesar. The helicopter is about to go down and take Caesar down with it. Bull looks up and sees this happening. He looks to the helicopter, to Caesar, and back. He knows what’s about to happen. And he throws his almost monstrous weight onto the helicopter, taking it into the bay with him. He sacrificed himself to protect Caesar.
Bull knew that without Caesar, their monkey revolution had no hope of success. I don’t believe that ANY organization should be fully based around one person. But. Every organization does have a leader.
1) If you’re the leader, are you a leader worth protecting. Is your vision and mission clear? Are the things your organization doing leading you towards those things? Are you taking interest in the individuals you’re leading? What is your character like? These are questions you have to ask yourself. These are the things you have to consider if you want to be a leader worth protecting. Not necessarily physically like Bull did for Caesar, but when other speak or act against you, are the the people you’re leading protecting you? If not, what do you need to do to be a leader worth protecting?
2) If you’re a member of an organization (you are), are you protecting your leader? When others speak or act against him or her, are you coming to their defense? Are you remaining silent? Or worse, are you participating? If you’re not protecting your leader, why not? Is it on you, or is it on them? What needs to happen for you to be willing to protect your leader?
The organization shouldn’t be built around any one individual, but the leader should be guiding the organization. If the leader is to guide the organization well, they need protection at times. Are you worth protecting? Are you protecting those leading you?
Grace & Peace,
Stippick
