I came across a wonderful statement which I believe all leaders should adopt as their mantra. Chris Sacca, a recurring guest on the show Shark Tank, stated, “Be your unapologetically weird self.”
This is great advice for entrepreneurs, teachers, poets, pastors, artists, motivational speakers, and leaders who need to inspire their audience to get on the bandwagon and lead revivals, initiatives, and world-changing movements. People who are just like everyone else, rarely get noticed, let alone change the course of human history.
We live in a generation that speaks of authenticity, then dresses alike, watches the same entertainment, falls in line when it comes to using technology, and is careful not say anything that is truly free-thinking. In many ways, we’ve become intolerant of being tolerant of those who are different than us or have an opposing opinion. True tolerance is the ability to use our minds to formulate supportable arguments and communicate our view with precision, clarity, and integrity. Unfortunately, many believe that to even listen to another viewpoint is somehow equivalent to turning your back on your own convictions, when in reality, throughout the centuries, those who could listen and argue their point in a civil manner strengthened their positions and resolve and influenced others. We must get back to that practice.
But let’s get back to being unapologetically weird. Ancient wisdom states, “To thine own self, be true” and “Know Thyself.” Another statement says, “Be yourself. Everybody is already taken.”
As a leader. We owe it to our team to be true to who we were created to be. We must be the best version of us we can be. We must be authentic and real. Above all, if you’re naturally weird, be the best weird you can possibly imagine.
Lead weird (well).