Not letting the other hand know

There is a subtle art of leadership among the Cherokee, my father is adept at it. It is only because I was close enough that I got to witness it. He goes down to the VFW hall, opens the door, (he’s got the keys) turns on the heat, starts the coffee, sets out the ashtrays, puts out the sugar and cream, takes the agenda from the office, copies it and distributes it to the table, then as the first few people come in he sits down. Other guys are in charge of the meeting; the chair goes up to the elevated platform, then other officials and flag carriers. As the meeting goes on and is about to wind up, he raises his hand and says “Well what are we going to do to finish up this…shouldn’t we…” As folks realize that it ‘s a trailing piece of business someone says, “We should do what Sgt. Buck said.” The chair says “I need a motion.” then someone reframes the idea as a sentence, and someone seconds it and it official action; but my dad’s name isn’t connected with it. Then as the last of folks file out, he empties he coffee pot, picks up the ashtrays, loads the dishwasher as I sweep the hall and mop the entry. Then we turn out the lights and leave. — Go to the People Live with them, Learn from them, Love them. Start with what they know. Build with what they have. But with the best leaders When the work is done the task accomplished The people will say, “We have done this Ourselves.” (Lao Tsu, 700 BC) Guarding the sacred springs of the Cherokee near Red Clay, east of New Echota.