I have a patient who I tell about our leader ship council, and he gave me what he meant as a compliment, when he told me well, you are a natural leader. I asked him why he thought that, and he said because I'm very positive and encouraging. And I appreciate his telling me that. It's nice to hear. It made me think of a story that Dr. Gilbert tells when he asks his classes at the beginning of the semester that he will give out an automatic a to any student who can find him a particular obituary.
The obituary Hass to say that whoever the person was achieved all they did in their life, without ever practicing. So for example, Dr. John Smith who is the worlds leading neurosurgeon, he never had to practice, he was a naturally good neurosurgeon. Or, Jane doe was the best selling author, she never made any spelling or grammar mistakes, she was naturally good at writing. Or,Mr. X was a motivational speaker. He never got nervous, or stumbled over his words, or lost his composure, or prepared his speeches. He was a naturally good public speaker. The point is, those obituaries don't exist. Anyone who appears to be naturally good at something, had to put in some kind of work to get exceptional at that thing.
I appreciate that my patient thinks I'm a good leader, I acknowledge that I worked hard to develop the characteristics of a good leader and have the courage to display them.
