by Dan Rockwell – March 2013
Image source by Petr Kratochvil
Regurgitating and recycling what you already know bores others, antiquates leadership, and destroys organizations.
Get out of yourself before you shrivel and die.
Growth, innovation, and future-building centers on what you don’t know and haven’t done.
Three surprising qualities of growing leaders:
#1. Receptivity
Traditional leaders are unwelcoming. Traditional leaders expect you to receive their ideas; they don’t receive yours. Power, prestige, and position thrive in unreceptive, threatening environments.
[dropshadowbox align=”right” effect=”lifted-both” width=”250px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]
I-already-know leaders.[/dropshadowbox]
Stop looking down your nose at outsiders, front line employees, and new hires. Adapt to them; don’t force them to adapt to you.
Growth lies around and outside.
#2. Withholding judgment
Traditional leaders make judgments; growing leaders withhold judgment.[dropshadowbox align=”right” effect=”lifted-both” width=”250px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]Judgment crushes baby ideas.[/dropshadowbox]
Quick minded decision makers inadvertently destroy growth. Stow what you think you know in the attic. Judgment ends growth and begins stagnation.
Keep in mind, stability requires decision making. Withhold judgment, don’t end it completely.
#3. Curiosity
Traditional leaders need to know and fear looking foolish. Curiosity celebrates what isn’t known. Courageously look foolish.[dropshadowbox align=”right” effect=”lifted-both” width=”250px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]Emptiness is opportunity.[/dropshadowbox]
The downside of curiosity:
- People want to know what you know as well as what you don’t.
- Questions feel pushy and threatening when filled with expectation.
- Constant curiosity spirals inward and downward.
- Creating options causes confusion.
Curiosity is a means not an end. Use curiosity to challenge stagnant ideas and disrupt antiquated systems.
Most importantly, curiosity unearths new goals and next steps. Curiosity builds the future. On the other hand, curiosity without progress is stagnating indulgence.
Team Discussion
What traditional leadership qualities stunt growth and innovation?
What leadership qualities inspire growth, innovation, and future-building?
