Enjoy meeting people that are different from you!

I am getting close to the finishing touches of my new leadership book The Kaleidoscope Leader and thought you would enjoy a preview. 

As you know a Kaleidoscope is a circle of mirrors containing loose, colored objects such as bead or pebbles and bits of glass. As the viewer looks into one end, light entering the other end creates a colorful pattern, due to the  reflection off the mirrors. 

The Kaleidoscope Leader is an individual that encompasses a multitude of leadership techniques to be successful. As they look within, their methods of leading change due to the reflection they see in others.   

One of these demonstrations is the fact that they enjoy meeting people that are different from them.

One of the most beautiful things we have on earth is the fact that nothing is the same. Snowflakes, fingerprints, zebra stripe and DNA cannot be duplicated. With atoms always moving energy around nothing stays the same.  Change is constant and different is normal. If you will agree with this, consider why. Think about how boring our world would be if there were no differences, if flowers looked and smelled the same, if all dog lovers had only one puppy to choose from, and if there were only one type of fruit to eat or vegetable to cook.  But this isn’t our world. Instead we have many pets to love, fruits to grow and vegetables to eat. And, we have many people different from us to enjoy.

The Kaleidoscope Leader understands the uniqueness of the Universe and how we all connect even when we feel disconnected. They realize the advantage of surrounding themselves with like-minded and unlike-minded individuals.  They welcome thoughts different from their own, appreciate another point of view and respect people that disagree with them.  They relish in the differences considering an alternative way of thinking as exciting. They are curious as to how someone processes information different than their method.  They are genuinely interested in learning new customs and traditions.  They are not threatened by diverse thinking. They are respectful of those who dress, speak and act in ways that are dissimilar to themselves.

As they move through the process of seeking out all types of people, they maintain a clear understanding of their core beliefs.  They will consider alternative views and may even adapt one or two. But, they have the strength and will power to stay firm when their beliefs cannot be altered.  This is when they will agree to disagree. They will accept and respect those that are different and yet realize the importance of staying true to themselves.