Hi, Jane - great post:)

You had me at quoting Max Dupree:) ...

As I have come to expect, your observations are on target, your illustrations clear and compelling, and your tone collegial.

Your story about revamping the New Employee Orientation brought back some similar memories for me, as I took over that responsibility from a no-nonsense and very admin-oriented person who retained a sense of ownership, even as she "let go" of this particular program,

We met similar pushback to our attempts to make the orientation about those coming into the company and their needs, as opposed to the needs of those already in place.  This was more difficult than I imagined.  I am remembering now a very earnest and good financial officer who thought that every employee would benefit from a complete review of organizational finances (With eye-bursting PowerPoint slides of Excel spreadsheets).   Another VP thought that reading the employee handbook (literally - page by page) would insure that employees follow the rules and meet our expectations.

Our first and most major shift was to start with a one-hour Q and A with our president, who had a politician's gift for reinforcing our mission, vision, and values during every discussion, no matter the topic.  New folks had a much deeper grasp of who we were and what we stood for at the end of that hour, along with a sense that senior management was approachable ... distinct difference from previous orientations.

I agree with you that in order to lead, we must first follow ... a person, an ideal, a value.

I do have some stories about followers, but I am saving them for a future posting:)

Merry Christmas!

John