Back in my single digits, I remember getting birthday cards in the mail addressing me as “Master Wilson” or “Master Rob”. That was pretty cool. You don’t see that much anymore. In accordance with the English honorary system, as we become adults, “Master” becomes Mister (Mr.), where Mr. is used to denote rank below Knighthood. That would be “Sir”.
“Introducing Sir Robert Wilson of the Clan Wilson, descendant of Scottish ancestry and rightful heir to … well, whatever it is he’s accomplished and earned at this point in his life, I guess. Anyone want to chime in here? Anyone at all.”
Crickets …
What I may have achieved in rank or status is simply a byproduct of the journey thus far. I am comfortable with “Rob” with no need or attachment to “Mr. Wilson”.
Anyways, mastery is in the process, not the result. Ego and pride, like anything else, can be healthy, but there’s a threshold. Too much of either and we’ve crossed over into insecurity. Wait … who’s room is this?
Power exercised, through rank, title, or status, is weak and it’s following is false. True leadership is empowering those around us to be their best selves. Throw in the dynamics of reality with its infinite number of variables and it takes a diverse menu of skills, characteristics, experience, and knowledge to effectively serve that restaurant.
For Starters: Trust, open and honest communication, candor, real-world experience, benevolence, knowledge, wisdom, transparency, confidence, active listening, interest, passion, and authenticity.
Main Dishes: Respect, optimism, delegation, collaboration, empathy, resilience, strength, care, decisiveness, fortitude, optimism, focus, egoless, human-centric, concern, and nuance.
Desert: Humor, levity, celebrate wins as a team (big and small) and encourage personal growth and quality of life, because happy people are successful people.
When we do the leadership thing right, there’s no need for a mandated “Mr”, “Sir”, “Master”, “Doctor”, “Sensei”, “Yogi” (which I’m not), or whatever. If it’s offered, then we graciously accept, but just the name should be and mean more than any title (official military ranking aside).
Your table is ready, Mr. Gandhi. “Please; call me Mahatma. Thank you.”
Photo by Mikito Tateisi on Unsplash.
I Am No Yogi 