Reading a book on leadership doesn’t make you a leader any more than reading a book on painting makes you a painter.\r\nIt’s all worked out in the doing.\r\n\r\nLearning to paint is a good analogy. At first its slow going with many disappointments. This blue doesn’t go with that red, this paint doesn’t sit easily on that paper. And when the first painting is finished it can be an embarrassment. It’s hard to believe that one day a beautiful painting will be possible.\r\n\r\nIsn’t that like the beginnings of an inexperienced leader? Launching into a new situation with plenty of theory under the belt but not enough experience, or the wrong sort, can lead to embarrassing situations and missed opportunities.\r\n\r\nWhat’s lacking is the intuitive element that grows through experience, the confidence to handle new situations not found in books.\r\n\r\nIt’s not wrong to be as prepared as possible. Only don’t think that all the information gained from a desktop study can be a substitute for facing the matter head on.\r\n\r\nSo. Inexperienced. Exposed. Inadequate. At sea. Embarrassed?\r\n\r\nBe thankful! For that’s experience, and that’s where intuitive leadership comes from.