In shades of gray, let thoughts sway,
Not firm, but open, day by day.
Unless required, let opinions slide,
In ambiguity, learn to abide.
Think boundless, wild, and free,
Beyond the norms, let your mind flee.
Outrageous paths, boldly tread,
Where ideas dance, unafraid, ahead.
Listen first, then share your part,
With artful ear, open your heart.
In silence find, the truth’s outline,
Talk later, after listening fine.
Experts guide, but don’t confine,
Your own thoughts must align.
Critical thinking, discernment’s key,
In your wisdom, let yourself be free.
Pseudoscience, in guise, may tread,
Masquerading truths, best left unsaid.
Serve not, nor lead astray,
Seek wisdom’s light, in true display.
In subtext, gold, quietly lies,
Beyond the ephemeral, your spirit flies.
Let lieutenants news relay,
In deeper meanings, find your way.
Decisions, when to hold, when to fold,
Delegate, or wait, let courage be bold.
Not today, then perhaps, tomorrow,
In patience, avoid undue sorrow.
Forget the past, its cost, its pain,
Future’s decisions, let them reign.
Yesterday’s errors, let them pass,
Forward move, with new class.
Defeated foes, offer grace,
Humiliation’s not your ace.
In victory, kindness show,
Let gentleness in leadership flow.
Choose your hill, know your fight,
But retreat when not right.
In battles chosen, wisdom’s light,
Guides you through the darkest night.
Serve those who stand by your side,
In their success, let your pride reside.
Recruit, support, in them believe,
Together, greatness you’ll achieve.
To do, not just to be,
Leadership’s true key.
In action, not in title, find,
The leader’s heart, noble and kind.
Lead not the group, but souls within,
Their collective force, a symphony’s din.
Motion, substance, together bound,
In their unity, purpose found.
See people, not as black or white,
But shades between, in different light.
Bring out the best, minimize the worst,
In this endeavor, be immerse.
Originality, your path to grace,
Excellence, in your unique pace.
Unconventional, the road you pave,
In authenticity, be brave.
These ideas are not mine. This poem is inspired and rewrites the ideas of Brian (S B) Sample (2002) The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership. Jossey-Bass. He does a much better job. See shauncoffey.blog/2020/05/18/reb…