When people are FULLY committed to an ideology, a purpose, a philosophy, or a theme, it is colloquially said that “they drank the Kool-Aid” and now cannot be dissuaded from that concept for any reason. Although this reference has a tragic origin, “drinking the Kool-Aid” has come to mean an almost blind following to a concept with a strong and forthright determination to see the topic through to its end. When used generically, the term simply means wholly committed, and often the reference to the negative connotation to the term is forgotten (or even unknown.)
Look at anything that is wildly popular like NASCAR, college football, or even scapbooking. They all have devoted followers. They drank their Kool-Aid. The topic of leadership is really no different. So, when I say that I have seen thousands of people who have sipped from the Leadership Kool-Aid fountain, I simply mean that I understand that the topic of leadership is so compelling for some, that they commit their entire being to continue to learn, grow and build other leaders. I say, go ahead…drink the Leadership Kool-Aid!
Another way to say it is that “I was bitten by the Leadership Bug.”
Go attend a Maximum Impact Simulcast event and see what I mean. You will find thousands of enthusiastic people who want to learn more from noted practitioners, authors, and experts. These are committed professionals who dedicate themselves to a future where they can show up prepared to serve others with proven recipes for success.
Have you dedicated yourself to a lifelong commitment to leadership development, organizational health, and personal & professional growth?
What compelled you to begin to invest in your understanding of new leadership behaviors? When did you first drink your Leadership Kool-Aid? How have you changed? And….has this investment been worth the effort?
KOOL-AID IS A PRODUCT AND A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF KRAFT FOODS.
Nice writing. You are on my RSS reader now so I can read more from you down the road.
Allen Taylor