Issue 110 - Building Our Future As Leaders
Earlier this month, most of America and by extension the world, was introduced to a new face in American politics. In less than six days, Sarah Palin went from being a rather anonymous governor in a rather isolated state (Alaska), to being the first woman ever nominated by America’s Republican Party to represent its party as their Vice Presidential candidate.
The political pundits collectively gasped. They had been blindsided. Who was this woman? More importantly, how did she springboard past the radar screen of America’s mass media and onto the national stage with virtually no one seeing her coming?
On the one hand, Republican presidential candidate John McCain was praised as being the smartest, risk-taking political strategist in the past 60 years for naming Palin his running mate. Conversely, others lambasted him as being the most clueless, out-of-touch decision maker ever for positioning a young, unproven political neophyte just “one heartbeat away” from the presidency. Political rhetoric aside, only time will tell which analysis is most accurate.
But one is already certain. At age 44, Sarah Palin is in the process of maximizing the opportunities afforded her. This morning, as I write to leaders, I wonder if there is anything we can learn from her example? As you will see, I believe there is.
Reports indicate that, among other things, Sarah Palin is a hunter and fisherwoman, a former beauty queen and athlete, a wife and mother. Her varied interests and activities make her at the very least more interesting, and possibly more well-rounded than most. Why?
Have you ever known an individual who was the unquestioned expert in one thing—and apparently disinterested in almost everything else? Such a person can (and usually does) talk for hours about that which they are passionate. But, when the conversation turns to another subject about which someone else is equally passionate, our expert is often the first one looking at his/her watch and plotting his/her exit.
The best leaders are multi-dimensional in their skills, abilities and interests, and curious about the many things—and people—of which they know little about. They are anxious and willing to tell you what they know and equally anxious and willing to learn what you know.
Here is the lesson—stepping beyond your self-imposed boundaries can serve to be both educational and inspirational to yourself and to those who choose to follow your lead.
#2…If it scares you professionally—do it!
Sarah Palin apparently is doing a credible job in her current leadership position as Governor of the state of Alaska. An Alaskan, she has arguably reached the pinnacle of government in her state and the position seems to fit her well. So, why would she be willing to step down from being Number 1 in her state to Number 2 in the country? Though exciting and energizing, it must also be a terrifying prospect to put herself and her family in such a vulnerable position on a worldwide stage.
Many of you may be saying, “Phil, what a dumb question! Anyone can see the benefit and opportunity associated with stepping onto a larger playing field.” But that’s just it—many don’t!
Too many high potential leaders never realize their full potential, because they never allow themselves to be tested on a bigger stage. They rise to some level of competence and success, and then either wittingly or unwittingly, allow themselves to go to seed therein. When opportunities for larger responsibilities and advanced personal growth present themselves—and they will because opportunities are everywhere—these capable leaders say “no, thanks” to such opportunities because:
a. They have become comfortable in their current position and with their current performance;
b. They are secretly afraid of what they don’t know;
c. They worry about unknown criticisms they may receive from heretofore unknown critics;
d. Their egos won’t allow them to move from Number 1 to Number 2 of anything (they prefer being a big fish in a smaller pond, to being a smaller fish in a bigger pond);
e. All of the above and even more reasons not listed.
For far too many leaders, I fear their honest answer would be “e.” Then again, we have the obscure example of a Sarah Palin. We can justifiably assume that she has consistently done what she could, with what she has, where she was. And then when opportunity came knocking, she answered and followed the opportunity, with faith, down an uncharted path. It can be a scary and uncertain path, but one that true leaders stand ready to travel.
#3…Be willing to go all in.
Once Sarah Palin accepted the leadership opportunity presented her, she apparently went to work immediately to shore up those areas in which she recognized her greatest deficiencies. Surrounding herself with the best minds in the areas of foreign policy, economic strategy, military defense, and the like, this leader buckled down and became a serious student. She isn’t betting her future on what she knows, but rather on what she can learn.
Personally, I don’t fancy myself much of a gambler. Therefore, when I occasionally watch televised poker tournaments, I marvel at the emotionless resolve professional gamblers exhibit when they “go all in,” regularly betting huge sums of money on nothing more than a game of chance.
Well, that’s not me and that’s not what I am suggesting for you, my leader-readers. No, I’m no gambler, but I am a calculated risk taker. Here is the difference between the two for me. Gambling is the process of committing something I really can’t afford to lose (i.e., huge sums of money or my personal integrity) on the slight chance I might gain something of value. Conversely, risk taking is committing something that even if I lose in the short term—I know I will win in the long term (i.e., taking a courageous stand on something I believe strongly in or learning for the future from the mistakes of my present and past).
I can only imagine that Governor Palin has thought, “Even if we lose this election, no one can ever take from me the valuable experiences and learning opportunities that will accompany it. Conversely, if we win this election, the learning and service opportunities that await are, at this point, unimaginable.”
Okay, what if she didn’t think these exact thoughts? We certainly can. How can we stretch ourselves to maximize the leadership potential that exists in every one of us? What are you willing to risk, even beginning today?
I hope this message won’t be wrongfully viewed as some sort of veiled political statement. Certainly, like you, I have my personal political leanings. However, the lessons we can learn from this emerging national story, I believe, can be valuable for Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians—leaders everywhere. But they are only valuable if we study them judiciously and apply them enthusiastically.
And if you do so…you will have my vote as my leader of choice!
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