All the World's a Stage- Leo at Work

 

From As You Like It, William Shakespeare

There he is, Leo the Lion, centre stage in his special and very well lit part of the jungle. He has a prime position under one of those African trees that look amazing in silhouette.

With a huge yawn and a languid stretch of his sleek muscles, he surveys his territory. Everyone is doing the work they have been allocated. All is as it should be.

He saunters across to the dam for a drink, taking a couple of moments to admire the reflection of his profile in the water. Yes, his mane does look great. All is as it should be. He goes back to sleep under his dramatically lit tree. All is as it should be.

It would be easy to finish this piece right there, but that is shallow and clichéd and does not pay proper deference to the Lions creativity, ability to inspire and sheer warmth and generosity. Whether on a physical stage or under a figurative spotlight, Leo has a tendency to shine.

Taking absolute pride in appearance, Leo is walking evidence for the fake it until you become it school of thought. At work he will dress for the role he wants next. He will also conduct himself as if he has already got it. This really makes the whole process of progression an unconscious exercise in creative visualisation. This is far from manipulation or design- it just is.

That self confidence you see? Don’t look too closely- it may also be an act. By seeming to be brave, Leo is thought to be brave and self confident... and eventually becomes it. Make sense?

None of this means that Leo is shallow, it is just that Leo wants to be proud of all that he does. Sure he wants the accolades, why shouldn’t he? He also wants to know that you believe in him- it is at this point that he is at his most energetic, inspirational and aspirational. It is also at this point that you will see the welcoming warmth and loyalty of the Leo Sun.

If not managed well, the Lion can without a doubt tend to laziness. Whilst he can be reluctant to take on menial tasks, like all fire signs he needs something creative to get stuck into and hates routine.  Really clever managers may be able to talk it up, but when Leo finds himself in a cubicle poring over rows and rows of figures, well, surely there is someone else to do jobs like that?

As a fixed sign, Leo can hold onto out dated processes and also be reluctant to take on new responsibilities- not because he is change resistant, but because of the confidence issue we spoke about before. Leo is not really that complicated- he simply doesn’t want to look bad or be seen not to be able to do his job as well as he thinks you need.

How to deal with this? Simple- believe in him. Even if you know he doesn’t believe in himself. More importantly, let him know you believe in him. Your confidence gives him confidence. Play it like he does- even if you have doubts about his ability to master something new, give him the benefit of the doubt and make like you do believe in him. Likewise, that confidence will be bolstered by recognition. If he has done a good job, tell him. A mention in despatches does amazing things for Leo self confidence. And Leo self confidence will be rewarded with a vibrant, inspired and engaged workplace.