INSIGHTS (on leadership/self-leadership)
We’re taught to think of a leader as the one who has the bold vision, and who motivated those around him/her to accomplish that vision. That’s where the credit goes. But I want to give a head nod to an overlooked form of leadership – the first follower – demonstrated in this amusing youtube video. In the video, a seemingly nutty guy is dancing very oddly to concert music, all alone. Eventually, someone bravely follows him in his crazy dancing, making it seem more acceptable to everyone looking on. That starts the movement – shortly thereafter a flood of people then follow suit, enthusiastically joining the pair in their odd gyrations. In the end, the brave lone wolf who started the dance will get all the credit.
But it’s that first follower who was the real leader.
The insight is this: when you find a lone wolf trying to do something unusual and great, have the courage to be the first follower of that person – to bravely endorse/support/help along what they’re trying to accomplish. You choosing to be that first follower will contribute just as much to the movement as the originator. You’ll be an unsung hero, but a hero nonetheless.
Bottom line – first following is an underestimated form of leadership that deserves a much greater following.
IMPERFECTIONS (a mistake a gold medal Olympian didn’t make)
I was recently giving a keynote and had a chance to see the keynote before me, from Elana Meyers Taylor, a multiple-medal-winning Olympic bobsledder. Elana told the story of the 2022 Winter Olympics. She was chosen as the US team flag bearer, but was unable to carry out the honor, as when she showed up to the games, she was diagnosed with COVID. She had to remain quarantined in her room for an extended period of time, uncertain about what further testing would be required, unable to train, unsure if she’d be able to compete. She could have made the mistake of caving into the overwhelming frustration that everything was out of her control. But instead, she focused on a universal truth – there’s always something you can control. Your mindset. What you do next. What small elements you can attack with positivity.
That’s exactly what Meyers Taylor did. She focused on training in her room, while quarantined, with whatever was on hand. There were no weights, no test tracks, no trial runs with the sled. Just her will, and willingness to let go of what she couldn’t control, breaking the task ahead into smaller parts, and focusing on making progress on those small parts. She eventually got out of quarantine, out of her room, and went on to win gold.
How might you do the same the next time you’re faced with a frustrating lack of control? How might you identify something that you can control, and focus your energy there?
IMPLEMENTATION (one research-backed strategy, tip, or tool)
Executive presence is a special kind of presence. It instills confidence in others that you’re a highly capable leader they want to follow. And you can strengthen yours, with the STRONG framework (something I share in my brand new course, 10 Signs You’re a High-Potential Employee.) STRONG is an acronym I’ll define one letter at a time. Write it on an index card and refer to it often to increase your poise.
Self-confident. Nothing’s more important for executive presence than projecting confidence. Do so by speaking with assuredness, like you’re in command. Make eye contact. Stand tall with your head up. Show excitement and passion for your idea. And don’t be intimidated by your superiors. Be respectful, but think of them as equals you can communicate to with confidence.
If you’re presenting, uncross your arms, remove hands from pockets, use gestures, (like pointing, to emphasize an important thought), and eliminate barriers between you and the audience, like a laptop or lectern.
Tailored charisma. Meaning, it’s important to show enthusiasm, interest, and optimism – but in a way authentic to you. For example, extroverts can exude charisma with their outgoingness and high-energy. Great. But introverts can be charismatic too, by being genuinely interested in others, listening well, asking good questions, and expressing passion for their ideas by being super articulate about why it’s a good idea.
Resonate. Meaning, make it count when you speak, through brevity of expression and depth of impact. Be clear, concise, and polished, while ensuring what you have to say is worth listening to, that it’s insightful or inspiring. Resonating is about sticking in people’s hearts and minds. Carefully reflect on what you’ll communicate and practice it, so that what you say carries weight, has impact.
Own the room. I don’t mean be overbearing or arrogant. It’s an overall mindset of assertiveness. You believe you’re there to contribute, speak up, and lead thinking, as opposed to being wallpaper, sitting meekly in the corner without saying a word. If you’re soft-spoken, by the way, you can further add to this by projecting your voice just 20 percent louder. It’s about providing a quality of presence that adds value to meetings, draws favorable attention, and makes a memorable impression. Owning the room also includes reading the room, paying attention to the mood, emotions, and what’s on people’s minds, and adjusting your approach accordingly.
Navigate crisis calmly. When adversity strikes, organizations need executives calm, and in control. That should include you. Period.
Give clear, compelling direction. This includes having a meaningful vision, carefully thinking through and articulating the right strategies, and being decisive and bold.
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