Smartest Kid in the Class

Who can tell me the name of the capital of Honduras?” 

A lone hand waves enthusiastically in the back of the classroom. 

“Come on, hasn’t anyone besides Mary done homework?”
In response, there is a long pause and blank stares.

“Okay, Mary, enlighten us.”

Mary’s face beams with confidence: "The capital of Honduras is Tegucigalpa?" 

"You are right, Mary; thanks for coming to our rescue once again!"

Most of us can remember the smartest kid in class; that student who always seemed to have the answer, aced the toughest tests, always did the homework, and of course, captured the teacher’s favor. We can remember how this child was practically venerated by some children. She had a magical quality.

Perhaps you were this kid or worked hard to be like her. If so, you may have achieved much success in your life. Your intellect may have been a key factor in your “climb to the top.” 

For a business leader, however, being “the smartest kid in the class” and attempting to come up with all the solutions is a recipe for failure. Perhaps you've been in meetings where a top executive strains mightily to demonstrate that he has all the answers. This executive believes that this behavior validates his position: “I’m the top guy; I am expected to have the answers.”

Unfortunately, this conduct often has the opposite effect; it can make the leader look weak and insecure. Leading through others implies an ability to subordinate your ego to the larger group. It means controlling inherent primitive and competitive impulses, like the desire to prove your worth.

As a leader, your job is to create an environment that encourages and supports problem-solving. By asking insightful questions, challenging the team to be honest, and setting the pace through careful listening, you are developing future leaders; you are leading. Most importantly, you will end up with the best answers. 

Leaders are often assertive, impatient, and driven. They have a high achievement motivation which fuels their success. When this high energy is recognized and channeled into working through others, success is more likely to follow. These leaders are respected and recognized as inspirational individuals who help talented people reach the next level---and it sure beats being the “smartest kid in the class” every time.

What is Your Sound?

As an executive coach, I have potential clients say to me that they don't want to lose their unique style in order to be a better leader.  They don't want to have to follow some pre-determined formula to find "success".  But leadership is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.  Each leader is made of an unique blend of leadership qualities.

In the movie “Ray”, there is a great scene where Ray Charles and his future spouse are having brunch and he innocently asks her if she likes his most recent record.

Ray: Did you like my new record; the one King Bee was playing?

Bea: It’s not that I don’t enjoy your music; it’s just that I feel I heard it before. I keep wondering what the real Ray Charles sounds like.

Ray: The real Ray Charles, who’s he?

Bea: Nobody if you don’t know.

In this small vignette is a powerful lesson for any senior leader; you must know who you are to become exceptional. This is really more than simply being genuine or looking to stand out in a crowd. It is about establishing your own unique voice, a voice that touches those around you in a profound way. For a senior leader, this includes your values, beliefs, expectations, motivations and many other intangibles which continually evolve as life experience is gained.

Ray Charles was heavily influenced by gospel, jazz, and blues and out of these forms he created a whole new sound, the Soul music of today. But he didn’t stop there, through the years he branched into country, rock, and classical; adding his own unique sound to each form.

Similarly, many business leaders have had mentors who significantly impact their leadership style. The best of the best, have integrated these insights into their own unique and personal sound. Much like Ray, their sound is greatly influenced by their OWN life experience and continues to evolve. People want to follow these leaders; they are charismatic.

Spend some time thinking about how your unique life experience is reflected in your leadership style. Think of some key events in your life that have helped shape who you are and what you are about. Then, take action and begin sharing these lessons with others.

To be a great leader, you need to know your unique sound. Take it from me, if you listen carefully and thoughtfully, you will hear it.

All the best!!!