I'm a 42 year old married and successful man. I've always been a leader to those around me. I was the high school football star, the president of the debate club in college, graduated with honors and I'm now an executive with one of the American auto companies. My personality is such that I lead those around me.
My wife, kids, and I live in a very nice neighborhood given my income. All 3500+ sq foot houses that sit on 1/2 acre or more plots. About a month ago we had a new neighbor move in just 2 houses down. A single man. At first sight of him outside I went down to introduce myself as I had also become something of a leader on my block. I welcomed Greg to the neighborhood and mentioned some of the more important rules of our association. Greg said, "Thanks Jackson, I'll do my best but the parking one might be an issue. I like to have get togethers, well parties." He smiled somewhat slyly and said that he was busy and needed to get back inside.
That weekend I saw what Greg meant. There were cars parked all over the street, some illegally, and we heard music coming from the house as people came and went. I'm all for parties but this was a bit too much. I knew I would have to get involved in this right away.
The next afternoon I walked over to Greg's house and knocked on the door. Greg answers the door in swim trunks and a towel around his waist. I told him I needed to talk to him. He told me to come back to the pool with him and grabbed a couple iced teas for us.
When we sat down I got right to business. "Greg, I'm all for parties and having fun but that one you had last night was a bit much. The neighbors don't like having cars parked all over the street and that much noise that late into the night."
Greg looked a tad peeved and responded, "Is it the neighbors Jackson or just you?"
I hated to admit he might be on to something but I was just trying to control a situation that might get out of hand. "It's all of us Greg. We've all gotten together and agreed on this." I may have used my deeper leader voice at this point.
"Well Jackson I've paid very good money for this house and I intend to enjoy it," he said as he stood up before me and commanded respect.
Truthfully I have never been challenged by someone like this and it was a new feeling. Almost a turn on oddly enough.
"Jackson, you may be used to being the boss everywhere else but in this house I am the man. You're just a guest and I'll decide what goes on here."