Leadership by Inspiration or by Intimidation
brand-as-business bit: Do you inspire people or do you intimidate them? The other day a friend and I were talking about a mutual colleague, whom I’ll call Larry. My friend remarked:
“I never feel as stupid as when I’m talking to Larry.“
It was a telling remark. Larry is brilliant — but my friend was right. Whether he’s giving a presentation or in a one-on-one conversation, he always comes off as the smartest person in the room — which, I suppose, is OK, if that’s his goal. But I’d rather be known as the most helpful person — or the one who helps advance the collective thinking — or the most inspiring. My friend’s comment reminded me that having all the answers isn’t always a good thing — it can be intimidating — and that leading should be as much (if not more) about serving others as it is about being right.
What do you think?
more bits of leadership inspiration: