7. Integration

“I’m tired of pretending,” said the Stag.

“Don’t let them see the real you,” said the Rat.

“What are you pretending to be?” said the Wren.

“Different things for different people. Confident for the herd. Calm for my family. Certain for the young ones.”

“And when you’re alone?” said the Wren.

“I don’t know who I am.”

“You’re all of them,” said the Rat. “That’s called leadership.”

“Is it?” said the Wren.

“It’s called surviving,” said the Stag.

“Which version is closest to you?” said the Wren.

“None of them. That’s the problem.”

“Keep it together,” said the Rat. “They need the version that works.”

“How many versions are you running?” said the Wren.

“I’ve lost count.”

“And what does that cost?” said the Wren.

“Everything. I’m exhausted before I even start.”

“What would one version look like?” said the Wren.

“Terrifying.”

“Why?” said the Wren.

“Because some of them wouldn’t like what they see.”

“What would they see?” said the Wren.

“Someone who’s scared. And tired. And doing his best.”

“Is that something to hide?” said the Wren.

The Stag paused.

“It’s all I’ve ever hidden.”

Silence.

“I can’t keep performing someone I’m not,” said the Stag.

The River was authentic.

If you recognised something in this dialogue, you're not alone.

For leaders Some men travel to Prague to walk by the Vltava River for a day. No agenda. No framework. Just space to hear which voice is speaking. [Walk With Me →]

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