An old parable talks about the oak and the reed[1]
that used to live close together: even though the oak was very strong and it used
to brag about it, when a fierce storm came, only the apparently weak reed
survived and lived on.
The oak symbolises the old paradigm and leadership model:
beautiful in its greatness, big and strong, experienced and probably very
talented, but with a tendency to treat others with mild scorn for what is seen
as their weaknesses. This type of
leaders as well as oaks is unable to adapt to a new environment or situation.
On the other hand, the new model of leadership is just
like the reeds: flexible. They stimulate
another perspective through the ability to react to situations by understanding
them and by bending, without breaking.
Instead of fighting against a new environment, by
being a leader the person is focusing on new possibilities and opportunities. As a consequence, she or he adapts to the
novelty, giving the best in the process.
[1] The oak and the reed is a parable by Aesop. You can read about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Oak_and_the_Reed
(Excerpt from the book 82 Reasons
to be a Leader)
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