The book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse has many great lessons for leaders.
Asking for help
“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.
“Help.” said the horse.
“When have you been at your strongest? asked the boy.
“When I have dared to show my weakness.”
“Asking for help isn’t giving up.” said the horse.
“It’s refusing to give up.”
I remember many times as an EM I was afraid to ask for help.
And I would sit on the problem too long which drains my energy.
Asking for help isn’t a weakness.
In fact it shows you have self-awareness and confidence.
It saves time and models behaviour for your team and peers.
It helps build stronger relationships with those around you.
Displaying vulnerability
As a leader, showing vulnerability is one of the biggest strengths you can show.
“What do you think is the biggest waste of time?”
“Comparing yourself to others,” said the mole.
“I wonder if there is a school of unlearning.”
This hit me hard as an EM because I put pressure on myself to stand out.
I desperately wanted to show I was ready for the next step.
It was draining, focusing more on others meant getting frustrated with myself.
The reality is, someone will always appear to be doing better than you.
Getting the opportunities you want.
Advancing more rapidly.
Making it all look easy.
But here’s the truth: comparison is a poor use of energy.
We have a choice – will we let comparison hold us back or motivate us forward?
We have to unlearn our desire to measure our success against others.
Being grateful
“Is your glass half empty or half full?” asked the mole.
“I think I’m grateful to have a glass.” said the boy.
As an EM, I found it easy to look at the glass half empty.
I’d focus too much on what was missing.
The headcount I didn’t get. The promotion that went to someone else. The exciting project that didn’t happen.
What helped me become a better EM was shifting my perspective.
You have a team that trusts you. You have the ability to impact careers. You challenging problems to solve.
Gratitude isn’t about ignoring challenges – it’s about recognising what you have to work with.
The best leaders I know don’t wait for perfect conditions. They lead with what they have.
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