Excerpts from You're a Leader, Charlie Brown
"I've Been Here All Year" by Pig-Pen
Thank you for reading my chapter. I apologize for the smudges on some of the pages. As you probably know, I'm a bit of a dirt magnet.
If it makes you feel any better, the cloud that surrounds me is the dust of ancient civilizations, so I have always considered it an honor to be in its midst.
Of course, not everyone shares my feelings—very few of the gang do. Only Charlie Brown has shown unconditional acceptance of my nontraditional lifestyle. That is one of the many reasons he is such a good leader of our baseball team.
He is my role model, and I think you can learn a lot from him. I know I have.
The Gift of Being Included
At some point in your life, you've probably known a great leader. What was it about them that inspired you? Energized you to do your very best?
I think back to the time when Charlie Brown directed the Christmas pageant. He could have listened to the rest of kids who didn't want me in the play. Instead, he cast me as the innkeeper, and convinced Frieda to play my wife.
It was an honor to be included in the production.
Charlie Brown's actions showed true leadership. Not only was he fair, but he also looked past the dirt and dust and saw my potential. His support made me want to give the play my very best, and I ended up working harder than I ever imagined.
Charlie Brown's behavior towards me is an example of inclusive leadership, which motivates people because they feel valued and respected, real members of a team working toward a common goal. And if everyone on the team is different from one another, that diversity is treated as an advantage, not a curse, because they each bring a unique point of view to the game or project.
I am trying to remember where I first learned about inclusive leadership…oh yeah! Sally did a report on it in civics class earlier this year.
Well, she got close anyway.
Additional Points from Sally
This Is My Report on Reclusive Leadership
It's important to know the difference between reclusive and inclusive leaders. Inclusive leaders are ideal and want to include coworkers in the process. Reclusive leaders grow beards and live in shacks. Inclusive leaders have two other qualities that also put them above reclusive ones—making their team members loyal and true!
They appreciate differences
Inclusive leaders like and encourage diversity in their teams, and are keenly aware of any stereotypes or disrespectful behavior. They are also open to learning new skills from the different people on their team.
For example, I often teach the gang new vocabulary words, since I know a lot of really big words, and then they help me understand the actual meaning and proper usage.
I believe that's what you call a win-win situation.
They encourage participation
An inclusive leader allows everyone to join in, speak up, and contribute. The team will have more confidence in the process if clear rules are created that cover questions and decision making.
For example, we could use rules for these reports… like, do I get extra credit? An ice cream cone? A kiss from my Sweet Babboo?
These things don't write themselves, people.
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