Cut the Bull & Be Honest

The bull we recently added to our ranch is my inspiration for a New Year’s resolution -- to be more authentic and honest -- a little bolder in my coaching.  We recently borrowed him from a neighbor to impregnate our milk cow, and he truly is a majestic animal.  I love just watching him stoically pace around the corral.  The horses and chickens surround me when I come to feed them, each trying to endear themselves to me.  But not the bull.  He has complete confidence that he will get his; there no pretense in him at all.

Bulls have inspired humans throughout history.  There are over 100 “bull” idioms.  The one we use the most in our home is “cut the bull.”  I do not think my kids even know what it is short for. Our society is rife with people manipulating, spinning, and sometimes even manufacturing facts to get what they want.  It is so refreshing to meet someone who is a straight shooter, whether you agree with them or not.  I was recently a podcast guest and was asked to talk about a leader who had inspired me.  I described Scott Gillesby, a PepsiCo executive of impeccable character and honesty.  The podcast is only nine minutes long, and my answer about Scott is at the five-minute mark.