Leadership in 2 Minutes & 58 Seconds

Leadership articles I’ve written previously lay a foundation about trust. This one features trust as well, but this article will be VERY different.   

Sometimes you find a light-hearted illustration that holds a life changing idea. The two minute, 58 second video I've embedded for you below is just that - profound, thought provoking and unapologetically funny.

It documents the birth of a vision. It talks about the need to have courage to be a bit silly, yet courageous with your ideas. To be a leader you must be willing to stand alone and look foolish, against opinion and the politics of the day. If you can muster the courage of your convictions consistently, you will attract a 'first follower'.

Click the dancers:

The first follower will embrace your vision and
see the value of the dance enough
to 'dance' beside you not behind you.

As the leader, you continue dancing to your own vision of the music around you and let the first follower sense your dedication to the steps and make their own decision to follow...or not.  To do this you do not preach at them or teach them -- you set a clear and pure example that is easy to follow and understand.

No matter what the vision, it must be something that can be

simmered down into a statement of 25 words or less --

the KISS principle (keep it simple stupid) was likely

written with leadership (and Murphy's Law - if something

will go wrong it will) in mind.

Like the leader in the video, the steps being demonstrated are easy to follow, simple to take, some allow/ welcome personal, free style interpretation -- a bit repetitive and fun.  Even in business a  little fun is vital or you might create a police state where the 'stick' (of carrot and stick fame) is used to drive people, not together, but away from your vision.

Vision Metronome

The leader does not correct his first follower because if the first follower has embraced the vision, they may embellish the vision some, but the core of the vision lives within the leader setting the 'vision metronome' for all who will follow.

That first follower then is the one who attracts and encourages others to the vision and helps them 'feel the truth of the steps'.  This establishes the leader -- not as a nut -- but as the leader.  This is done openly where people can explore the vision and dance their specialist version of the dance harmonizing with the group.

They no longer dance with the leader personally, but harmonies with one another.  The vision 'pollinates throughout the group.  The 'dancers' spread the enthusiasm to others dancing around them.  As more people recognize the truth of the vision, they see how important it is to join in to help achieve the vision.

Ted Turner - CNN

Leadership is nothing without followers.  Remember the quote I shared in another article from Ted Turner (founder of CNN):

"If you want to know if you are a leader, look behind you."

This is how to know if you ARE a leader.  You can't just set out to be a leader.  You do not study for it or take a test or get a certificate or letters after your name that designates you are a leader, you either have people dancing with your vision or not.

Take CNN broadcasting.  It started in 1980 in a dingy warehouse - a most awful place on the 'wrong side of the tracks' in Atlanta Georgia.  Ted had a difficult time getting people to come work in that warehouse because it was dangerous.  However, in every one of his help- wanted ads, he clearly stated that it was not going to be a ritzy place to work.  

I remember this well because I applied (and was offered a role) there and Ted did the interviewing himself!  His vision was of a never imagined 24 hour a day, seven day a week news only television station.  And he never stopped dancing!

44 years later!

As of September 2024, CNN had a total viewership during primetime TV of 853,000 households and hotel rooms available in 200 countries.  Not bad for starting out as someone labelled a nut who was obviously dancing on the wrong side of the tracks!

Seven Basic Leadership Concepts

The secrets of this silly video -- and of Ted Turner's success and the success of any authentic, inspirational leader is to abide by these seven concepts:  

    1. Keep the vision danceable/ embraceable.

    2. Keep the vision consistent.

    3. Dance -- even if you look silly.

    4. Do not give up too early!

    5. Nurture your first follower.

    6. Teach others not by telling, but by your example.

    7. Allow others to use their innate skills to vary the dance.

Leadership ultimately IS about followers.  Being authentic to your vision sets the standards, rhythm and parameters for others to follow.  The easy part is doing your own dance.  The hard part is being patient and remembering that there is no leadership if no one is following you.  The price to be paid sometimes may be a little ridicule and for this you need courage -- and lots of energy to just keep dancing!

 

 

Darlene Richard is an international, subject-matter expert and philosopher on the issues affecting the quality and productivity of individuals who work within non-face-to-face customer supporting environments. If you have questions or comments regarding the article, email her at: DarleneRichard@write4you.co (not com).