Be Different or be dead

December 14, 2015

Does a leader’s strengths make them great?

The strengths possessed by someone address the lowest level requirements of the leadership job.

Without the basics you have little chance to lead; with them you’re guaranteed nothing in terms of being remarkable and memorable. At best you will be guaranteed a solid position in the leadership herd, blending in with other leaders who also have the same strengths.

My eyes glaze over when some individuals describe their strengths.

I hear things like:
- Technology;
- SEO;
- Finance;
- Team building;
- Dealing with others:
- Communications;
... and it goes on and on.

They all say the same thing. They’re clones of one another.

Strengths that are cited are merely adequacies if the herd promulgates them.

Rather than asking someone what their strengths are, let’s start asking “How are you different from everyone else?”

▪️“What have you done that shows a contrarian attitude?”

▪️“Where have you gone in the opposite direction to the crowd?”

▪️“Tell me a story about where you’ve diverged from the crowd not conformed with it;

▪️“Do you believe that there is strategic value in benchmarking?” (and hope for a negative response)

Good leadership is achieved by being strong.

Great leadership is created by being different.

Cheers,
Roy
Check out my BE DiFFERENT or be dead Book Series

• Posted 12.14.15 at 04:22 am by Roy Osing
• Permalink