Lessons from Room 8

Authenticity lies at the core of effective leadership.?

A true leader understands that embracing their authentic self and consistently showcasing their unique gifts is essential for success.?

Harvard Business School spells it out saying, an authentic leader is known as being someone who strives to establish meaningful relationships with their team while working towards organizational goals.?

Leaders understand that authenticity is not something they can proclaim themselves, but rather a quality attributed by others.?

It is the ability to act consistently upon core values that builds trust and loyalty among employees.?

By keeping promises and honoring commitments, authentic leaders inspire confidence and foster strong collaboration and communication within teams.

So how can you learn the type of authenticity that will bring you long term success and respect at every level of your company, your board and investors?

There was this cat ----

In the heart of Echo Park, California, there was a remarkable cat with at least two known names but ultimately will be remembered as, Room 8.?

This feline adventurer found his way into Elysian Heights Elementary School one fateful day in 1952 and made it his home during the school year.?

But come summer, Room 8 would vanish, only to reappear when classes resumed.

As this pattern continued year after year, the school community watched for him to show up as the students were beginning a new school year.

And then the media found out about the cat that went to school and local news cameras waited for word of Room 8's annual return so they could capture his arrival.?

Room 8 was always nonplussed at the attention.? He stayed as footloose and fancy free as a cat can be, wandering the school at will.? He was present to those who needed to spend time with him.

The charismatic cat became a local legend, receiving an astonishing 100 letters per day addressed to him at the school. His eventually had a documentary and a beloved children's book called "A Cat Called Room 8." ? He was featured in a three-page spread for Look magazine by photographer, Richard Hewett and? inspired musician Leo Kottke to create an instrumental piece in his honor.

As age caught up with Room 8, he began living more and more with a local family.??But every afternoon, the school's devoted janitor would find Room 8 and carry him across the street, ensuring he remained part of the school community.

When Room 8 passed away, his obituary in the Los Angeles Times garnered immense attention, filling three columns and featuring a photograph. His fame extended far beyond Echo Park, reaching as far as Hartford, Connecticut, where his obituary was published. The students, deeply moved by his impact, raised funds for a gravestone that now marks his final resting place at the Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park in Calabasas.

Room 8's legacy lives on at Elysian Heights Elementary School. A mural adorns the school's exterior, proudly featuring Room 8, and teachers continue to read his story to each new class, ensuring his spirit endures. His paw prints, forever etched in cement on the school sidewalk, serve as a reminder of his presence.

Why do I take up your time today telling you about a cat?

There are valuable lessons we can all take from Room 8 that will encourage you as you build your company—leadership isn't just about being strong in every aspect; it's about recognizing your strengths AND limitations and showing up consistently and authentically.?

Room 8 always showed up as his best self, captivating hearts with his unwavering presence and love.? His strategy seems simple and yes, he was just a cat being a cat but there is authenticity in being what we are and doing what we are best at every single day.? Authentically.? Consistently.

Authentic leadership goes beyond just being true to oneself. It involves self-awareness, active listening skills, emotional control, and relationship-focused approaches. These characteristics enable leaders to connect with their team members on a deeper level and create an environment of accountability and empathy. And consistent, genuine actions lead to wide-reaching benefits for the entire organization.?

As you look at raising your level of leadership even more in your own company, take time to evaluate where you are today and what you want to be remembered for.?

Be your best self this week. Show up consistently. Be a friend to all. Encourage your team.

Just like Room 8.

~Chris.