Murder on the Dance floor

Self reflection from the Balcony

This was a title to a song from the a few decades ago I seem to remember, but I want to use this in a different context if I may.

I have just entered a new phase of personal learning (see previous post) where I am understanding leadership more. I have been reflecting on myself as a leader and also leaders within the organisation I work within. I am a contractor so can work across different organisations over a period of time, but I see such similarities.

Right now I have been understanding a concept of moving from the dance floor, where all the activity and hustle and bustle are and going to the balcony. On the balcony you can look down and see what is going around you, how people are interacting in the organisation. You can even see yourself still down there on the dance floor, cutting shapes, strutting your stuff, dancing with partners. This self realisation can be alarming.

Photo by Ardian Lumi on Unsplash

You see as a leader, I can think I am the greatest, the greatest dancer on the dance floor. The music is pumping, everyone is moving around, having a great time. Oh but they are not really are they. Music is pumping but the wrong tune. People are moving around trying to avoid me. They are not having a great time, that is just in my head as I think they should be. I can’t see that from the dance floor, I have to go to…