Being a Gracious Leader: What Thor’s Mother and Garth Brooks Taught Me
*Spoiler alert: this post contains part of the plot to the “Avengers: Endgame” movie.
It came as a surprise when I received one of the best leadership insights of the week from Thor, the Asgardian god of thunder. Actually, it was from his mother Frigga. During a time-travel back to Asgard in the latest Marvel movie, Avengers: Endgame, Thor happens upon his now deceased mother.
Thor is surprised and ashamed to see her. He’s not the fit and brave superhero that he once was. His failures and disappointments have worn on him and now he is exposed in front of someone who expected more from him.
How would Thor’s mom respond to seeing her once infallible son this way? Would she criticize him? Give him advice? Rescue him with blind encouragement?
@chuttersnap via Unsplash
Gracious Leaders See the Best in Others Despite Their Failures
Thor’s mother begins by calmly acknowledging his poor appearance and his anxiety. No blame or judgment, just observation of reality.
Then she says this:
Everyone fails at who they are supposed to be. The measure of a person, of a hero, is how well they succeed at being who they are.
Read that line a few times. It’s real. And it’s hopeful. She moves him beyond regret to acceptance. Everyone fails at who they are supposed to be. So the key to being great is succeeding at being who you are.
Gracious Leaders Sincerely Appreciate the Best in Others
That gracious leadership reminded me of what I had also witnessed at the Garth Brooks concert I had been to the night before.
My assumption is that it would be easy to feel disconnected from such a star performer. I’m guessing his bandmates and tour staff might feel small under his big name and presence.
As a leader, how do you remain gracious when over 70,000 people are cheering for you in the spotlight, when you rank with the Beatles and Elvis Presley in album sales, and when you’ve been doing the same job for over thirty years, making so much money?
You make a choice to show appreciation.
Throughout the show, Brooks talked about how much he loves our city and the reasons why. He paid tribute to Prince, one of our hometown heroes. But his most gracious moment came when he introduced his bandmates.
As each band and tour staff member was introduced, their name and image appeared on the screen. He talked sincerely and enthusiastically about their history together and why he appreciated them. He even had one of his tour staff leaders come out on stage for a hug. It was amazing to watch this slightly embarrassed young woman run out on stage to the cheers of the crowd. In all the many concerts I’ve been to, I’ve never seen anything like it.
Becoming a Gracious Leader Yourself
Wouldn’t you like to be a more gracious leader who makes other people feel appreciated and uplifted?
Perhaps we take a queue from Frigga of Asgard and Garth Brooks of Tulsa.
Rather than blaming or judging, let’s work to see the best in others and help them see the best in themselves. Rather than being too occupied with the best in ourselves, let’s show others how much we appreciate and recognize the best in them.
Who could you accept and appreciate this week?
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