Of Balloons, Unicorns, and Thermostats – Change Happens

I recently read Tribes: We need you to lead us by Seth Godin. Godin defines a tribe as “a group of people connected to one another, connected to a leader, and connected to an idea.” Godin emphasizes that tribes are everywhere, and there is a shortage of true leaders. Today’s tribe leaders aren’t focused on managing the status quo. They are leading a movement.

Godin’s book is inspirational and full of excellent advice for future leaders. The following really struck a chord with me:

The Balloon Factory and the Unicorn – Workers in the balloon factory are anxious and are careful to keep out the pins, needles, and sharp objects. Everything is fine in the factory until the unicorn shows up. The balloon factory workers love and feel safe with the status quo. The unicorns arrival is a threat to the status quo. In the Balloon Factory World, one thing is certain; the unicorn will show up. The workers can panic and frantically try to maintain the fragile balloons or they can welcome the change. Who knows? Maybe new products like instant rainbows and sparkly fairy dust are on the horizon for the balloon factory workers!

The Thermometer and the Thermostat – A thermometer simply reports the temperature. A human thermometer simply gives a status update. The human thermometer tells us what’s broken and what’s working. A thermometer can’t control the temperature, and a human thermometer exercises no control over a situation. A thermostat changes the temperature in the room; likewise, a human thermostat initiates change. Being a thermometer sounds like a dull and frustrating choice. Being a thermostat, a change maker, sounds meaningful and impactful.

The following Godin quote truly explains leadership to me: “The secret of leadership: Do what you believe in. Paint a picture of the future. Go there. People will follow.”