Opportunity
On three different occasions over the past week, I have had the pleasure of coming across Meerkat families scurrying around or peeking over the tall summer grasses at me while riding my mountain bike.
My late afternoon into early evening outrides serve many purposes, one of which is to reset my poise after a day of work.
An unexpected Meerkat encounter instantly melts away the tension with an unavoidable grin and a pause in the pedalling.
They watch me.
Alert.
I watch them.
I wonder what they think as they survey the gangly orange and green creature on a two-wheeled contraption.
I am sure that one of the first things anybody sees in the Karoo logo is the Meerkat, upright, watching, alert.
It is cute, but it is not there just for its cuteness!
The Meerkat is part of the Karoo story, the place and Influential Leadership.
As I watched the three different Meerkat families (mobs, they are called) on three separate occasions, I was reminded why they are part of the Karoo logo, and part of the Influential Leadership story.
Meerkats epitomise being ALERT.
Being alert includes a multitude of characteristics, many of which the intrepid Meerkat exhibits.
Similarly, these traits characterise the practice of Influential Leadership too.
A person who chooses to practice Influential Leadership must be…ALERT, which is to be…
A person who chooses to practice Influential Leadership must be…ALERT, which is to be…
| Agile | All ears |
| Animated | Awake |
| Aware | Bright |
| Conscious | Hopeful |
| Nimble | On the job |
| Open-eyed | Optimistic |
| Perceptive | Prepared |
| Quick on the uptake | Thoughtful |
| Timely | Upbeat |
| Vigilant | Watchful |
Why?
Why is it essential for a person to exhibit such traits to be an Influential Leader?
I offer just three of the many reasons why being ALERT is indispensable:
- The first and most valuable reason why we must be alert, is so that we can recognise Leadership Moments, which we then turn into opportunities to change things for the better.
Meerkats are constantly alert for food, for themselves and those of their mob back at their burrow – the young and those taking care of them. They look after each other so that they can all survive and live better!
- Alertness also helps us see and manage risks—those far down the track (strategic alertness), and those upon us (tactical appreciation).
Risks and potential danger are also opportunities that present themselves in particular forms. When we recognise and manage them, we transform them into progress.
- The Influential Leadership System is brimming with the notion of being prepared. You might recall the words of the Roman philosopher and politician, Lucius Seneca, who we have met before, Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity.
Meerkats do not rely on potluck to escape predators. They are luckily prepared! People who choose to be Influential Leaders must be prepared!
Leadership Weekly Note of 11 March 2024 (#1124) discussed consciousness, which is closely related to being ALERT. I recommend that you refresh your memory HERE
When we are alert, we discover each Leadership Moment we cross paths with.
Every Leadership Moment is an opportunity to make our lives richer, smarter and better. And who does not want their life to be better?
Apex Skills do not materialise from the ether, we must identify them, learn them, then practice and practice and practice.
Being alert is a skill that becomes a habit—that empowers our Leadership capability.
Be alert!
Regards,
Colin @ Karoo
We Activate Apex Skills!
Leadership Weekly Note: 1424.010424
e: colind@karoo.world
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