BY: Kevin Daum
Not everyone is ready or willing to lead. Here are six
things you'll need to master to move masses, inspired by Seth Godin's
latest talk.
According to Seth Godin and his new book The Icarus Deception
(Portfolio), more than 100 years of industrialization have led to
institutionalism, and the glorification of being a follower. Living in
the safety net of what has already been proven allows for a modicum of
success, if any, and a whole lot of mediocrity. Most importantly, the
impact you'll leave on those around you by doing only what is expected
is sure to be minimal. As Seth asked from the stage Wednesday, "Will anyone really miss you when you're gone?"
No need to reiterate exactly what else Seth says in his new book. Buy it yourself.
But I will share the inspiration I took away, and how it's already
driving my own actions as a leader. Use these tips to masterfully lead
your tribe and as Seth encourages: "Ship your art."
1. Build on Your Own Authenticity
You know when you are in your zone, and when you are just
playing the game to get ahead. Everyone does what they need to do to
make the machine work. But powerful leaders are authentic. That doesn't
necessarily mean they are well liked.
They are however comfortable in their own skin, and they create an
environment around them that supports their worldview. This way they can
thrive and create with little resistance. Own who you are and wear it
proudly.
2. Clearly Define YOUR Following
Today's technology and Internet connectivity more than ever
provide opportunity to attract followers and lead. Accept, however, that
not everyone is your follower. Determine the attributes of those who
will gain from what you can teach, share, and sell. Don't assume that
just because you're a boss, you're a leader, or that being an entry
level employee makes you a worthless cog in the machine. Your followers
exist around every corner. Broadcast your vision.
Attract them with your inspiration. Ignore everyone else. Truly, there
just isn't enough time and energy to make everyone a convert. The most
powerful leaders focus on where they are going and trust that the right
people will follow. Make your voice heard so they'll find you.
3. Break Away From What You Know
No one has it all figured out. Even Albert Einstein and Thomas
Edison had to experiment to discover the truths of science and
invention. But today knowledge is easily accessible. Experience brings
comfort but that comfort can become a prison or worse, a death chamber
as the world changes around you. Today's world is moving fast and you
need to constantly explore. Learn broadly so you can assess where the
opportunities and dangerous hazards lie ahead. Respect every day as
Seth's concept of a blank slate, applying what you know and re-exploring
the status quo. Then you can create new art that is moving and
valuable.
4. Make Yourself Vulnerable
Failure is painful,
embarrassing, hard, frustrating, and at times, devastating. Yet without
it growth and massive success is all but impossible. Limits will never
be truly tested without the risk of breakage and destruction. On a
smaller scale, learning new things is filled with constant,
disheartening failure. I remember four weeks of Spanish immersion as an
adult. I spent five hours a day being wrong and feeling stupid. Yet the
breakthroughs were exhilarating and beneficial. Just a simple mind
expansion opened doors beyond my expectations. The CTOs who never really
explore marketing or the CEOs who never learn to write will forever
limit themselves and leave room for their competitors to blaze new
trails. You don't need to be an expert in everything, but the broader
your exposure, the more language you have to connect. Learn the things you need to learn, meet the people you need to meet. Stretch, risk, grow, and revel in the risks and rewards ahead.
5. Be Generous to Your Tribe
What's the point in having a following if you are not going
to lead them anywhere? Followers sign on because they believe you can
enlighten and enhance their existence. Share what you are learning and
what you produce. Don't worry that it's not perfect. Include them in the
process. Let them engage and share in the experience. Give them the
gratitude, recognition, and encouragement to step up and lead in synergy
with your vision.
6. Allow Time to Work Its Magic
So many people race against the clock as if time is their
enemy. But people who lead use time as a powerful tool for change.
People need time to absorb new ideas and determine a course of action.
Following a leader helps but credibility
comes with time and consistency before followers will amass. Lasting
impact comes not from a single incident but from a steady consistent
march forward. Embrace the blessings that come with patience.
People choose to lead for different reasons. Some can't help
themselves and others find it the only way to maintain their material
needs. Whatever your motivation, leadership brings great responsibility.
It's hard. It's intricate. It's risky. It's certainly not always
pleasant. But the highs from the successes well outweigh the lows from
the failures. I for one will continue to risk and ship my art. Thank you Seth for the added inspiration.
SOURCE: www.inc.com
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