I feel so blessed. I get to work with students every day, and I also get invited to work with educators throughout Canada and the US. Several weeks ago, I was honoured to work with a group of educators at the Manitoba Library Association. I delivered a keynote in the morning, and two workshops for the rest of the day. I was at first worried about being with one group the entire day (would they get sick of me??), but in the end, I was really able to bond with the teachers–so much so that I was able to attend a coding workshop alongside them the next day!
It was at this event that I met a retired Teacher-Librarian, Gerald Brown, who although having retired in 1992, continues to come to professional learning opportunities when he can. He continues to run a Library in a Seniors Residence. I wish I had a day just to talk to him; he was so wise! When he came to introduce himself to me, he gave me his card upon which had the symbol of the turtle. I had to ask about it. Why a turtle?
The following, is the extended metaphor Gerald shared with me about leadership and the turtle which resonated so much with me:
Before a turtle can move, it must stick its neck out.
- Good leaders know that they will have to stick their neck out for what they believe.
The wise turtle knows when to pull its neck in, in case of danger.
- A wise leader knows that in some places and at some times, new ideas are not welcome.
- The ability to wait for the right opportunity is a good quality
The turtle has a hard shell.
- A wise leader will know that advocating change or new ideas is not always popular.
- Those who are threatened or jealous will beat on the person, and sometimes on the idea.
- A good leader will know how to develop a thick skin (or shell) to deal with the detractors.
The turtle knows that slow and steady wins the race.
- Everyone know the Hare and the Tortoise story.
- Savvy leaders know that new ideas may be adopted initially quickly, but to have them implemented in depth will take a long time. Progress in our society takes a lot of time and patience.
The turtle is patient. It will wait for the right moment to feed, or move.
- The wise leader is patient too. Planning is an important aspect of all change and imperative for progress. Choosing the right time and place is critical for success.
The turtle has evolved over many centuries. It is probably the longest living creature.
- Leaders know that quality ideas will take a long time to mature, but they will outlast the ‘quick fix’ every time. Evolution is much better than revolution, where everyone gets hurt in some way.
- Changing to meet the needs of the environment is more effective.
The turtle lays many eggs. Some survive. Some mature.
- The leader knows that one idea alone is usually not enough. There needs to be many aspects to the idea. The ideas need to be shared. They need to be spread around the community, the country or the group.
- Some ideas will fall on fertile ground. They will grow and mature into important developments or influences.
- Some ideas will fall on infertile ground (closed or hostile minds); they will lie dormant or waste away.
- Some ideas will be mutated by the receiver, and will not be recognized as part of the original idea.
- And some ideas will be used for good; and others for less wise choices.
- The best a leader can do is share ideas, and trust to the Almighty to have them develop, just like Mother Turtle does.
The turtle usually has a clear sense of direction. It will go over, under or around an obstacle.
- A wise leader knows that obstacles can be handled. One can go over, under or around them. If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again; each time another way.
The turtle lives and travels on land, in the air, and in water.
- Leaders must realize that they must be able to function in various environments, and must adapt their skills and ideas appropriate to the needs.
The turtle has many predators.
- People in leadership positions know that there are always people who would like their “positions”. Wise leaders keep a wary eye on the environment, and watch for changes so that they can adjust to the new situation, the new challenge, or the needs of peers, colleagues and friends. They build teams and networks.
This quote is from Thoreau’s Journal, August 28, 1956
- Consider the turtle. Perchance you have worried, despaired of the world, meditated the end of life, and all things seem rushing to destruction; but nature has steadily and serenely advanced with the turtle’s pace. The young turtle spends its infancy within its shell. It gets experience and learns the way of the world through that wall. While it rests warily on the edge of its hole, rash schemes are undertaken by men and fail. French empires rise or fall, but the turtle is developed only so fast. What’s a summer? Time for a turtle’s egg to hatch. So is the turtle developed, fitted to endure, for he outlives twenty French dynasties. One turtle knows several Napoleons. They have no worries, have no cares, yet has not the great world existed for them as much as for you?
Gerald asked me to share this “to help young turtles in [my] area advance”, and asks that if you also want to share, you please cite your source (below). He is a true life-long learner and I can only hope that after I retire, I will continue to learn and to push my own thinking and the thinking of others as well.
Compiled by Gerald R. Brown Honorary Ambassador, International Association of School Librarianship, Archivist, Manitoba School Library Association Consultant, Information Literacy Chief Librarian (Retired 1992) Winnipeg School Division Library Consultant, Carolyn Sifton Library, Lions Place