17/07/2023
I didnât have to turn around to know she was there.
I was busy shoveling the excess river rock and clay from the new paved path to BMK and the noise and flying rock had caused all the chickens and goats to flee the area.
Except Dusty.
She stood quietly watching and then slowly but confidently, moved across the stone hillside to me.
She pressed her very pregnant side against my leg and stood still next to me. I sat down on the rocks and she rubbed her head against my boot and then rested it against my own.
And thatâs where she stayed, gently putting her weight on me, and allow me to rest my head on hers, until I got up to keep working.
She always finds me when I go into the pasture and as we get closer to her due date, she stays closer by my side than usual.
Itâs a quiet understanding. She knows she can trust me.
The trust canât be spoken but exists in ways that doesnât require words.
Where we go wrong in leadership is thinking it has to be loud to be strong.
Forceful to be felt.
Declared to be heard.
Leaders make those around them feel safe.
Empowering them to be themselves, especially when they feel most vulnerable.
Leadership requires bravery not bravado.
Confidence not ego.
It is evident in the quiet moments, the little spaces between the big moments.
Leaders have the compassion allow others to lean on them, and the confidence to lean on others.
