I’ve got a monster brow. Seriously… it’s huge.

And, if left to itself (notice the singular is being used here), it would overtake my face like Kudzu.

On top of that, I’m a pretty contemplative guy, so I constantly walk around looking like I’m playing chess, constantly in deep thought. Or at least pretending to be so I don’t have to meet new people. (Kidding. Just kidding.)

All that to say, I typically look a bit unapproachable if you don’t know me.

Recently I went through the RightPath Leadership 360. I recommend it. The basic idea is that people fill out a survey about you. Then you get to see all the gory details. I learned a bunch more besides the fact that I look like an troll, but here are some actual comments from the survey…

When I was going for my degree in education… do you know what I learned from my Methods class?

Make sure the custodian, the lunch ladies, and the principal’s assistant love you.

These people may not be very high on the Organizational Chart, but because of what they do, I learned pretty quickly that it’s important to know them. And, if you want to get things done, it’s even more important to be on good terms with them.

And, for the record, I think this was totally wrong and manipulative. But it has some important truth in it. Some truth we can’t ignore.

I was thinking the other day about the kinds of relationships growing leaders should have in their lives. I think a good leader should make sure they’re making time in their lives for the right kinds of people.

No matter who you are or what you do, if you want to be a great leader, I believe you should have in your life…

Someone who is AHEAD OF YOU.
Someone who is WITH YOU.
Someone who is BEHIND YOU.
Someone who is CHALLENGING YOU.

I had to laugh when I realized that all of those relationships in my life happen to be with someone named Andy.

I used to be a swimmer, and I clearly remember all those early morning practices. Especially the part where I was standing at the edge of a very cold swimming pool… knowing I needed to jump in. I didn’t want to jump. But I knew I had to.

That’s how I feel with this post.

Today’s post is something near and dear to my heart, but I have a feeling it is going to land a bit unpleasantly for some of us. Sure, some of you will think it’s not big deal. But some of you might start to feel a little uncomfortable. If that’s you, I just ask you read it through.

Ok. Here we go. One… two… three.