Derek Sivers @ TED
by Miki SaxonSaturday I recommended spending some of your valuable time on TED, so I thought I’d offer a sample of it that I really liked.
Derek Sivers received a standing ovation for his 3 minute talk on leadership using the video below.
Too often people over focus on the moving pictures, so be sure to pay full attention to what Sivers is saying in conjunction with what is happening in the video.
Because the words are so important you can read a transcript at Siver’s site (along with other good stuff). I hope you take a moment to do so.
I’m not backing down on my contention that leadership is for all, but I completely agree that everyone can’t be leaders simultaneously and that following is just as important, if not more so.
Leadership is over-glorified.
Yes it started with the shirtless guy, and he’ll get all the credit, but you saw what really happened:
It was the first follower that transformed a lone nut into a leader.
There is no movement without the first follower.
We’re told we all need to be leaders, but that would be really ineffective.
The best way to make a movement, if you really care, is to courageously follow and show others how to follow.
When you find a lone nut doing something great, have the guts to be the first person to stand up and join in.
Image credit: dereksivers on YouTube
February 15th, 2010 at 5:10 am
Miki,
Thanks for posting this…it’s great!
If your readers would like a resource on followership they can read Maccoby’s book – “The Leaders we need: and what Makes us Follow.”
I love the concept of talking to them about them and inspiring shared vision. I Wrote a short blog about it at: http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/2009/12/28/frustration-or-inspiration/
Thanks for your work,
Leadership Freak
Dan Rockwell
February 15th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
Dan, although I think that Sivers made a good point, I think that visions, passion and the fanaticism to which they often lead are the a large part of the increase of hate, bigotry and intolerance in the name of passionate vision, AKA, ideology; in the business world those passionate visions contributed mightily to the Wall Street’s meltdown.
February 15th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Miki,
It doesn’t take long to think of illustrations that support your idea. Bombing and killing people is also the result of passion/vision.
Rather than rejecting the idea of passion completely perhaps it’s better focus on the outcome of our passions? Or would would you prefer Stoicism?
I’ll also add that my passions unchecked can get me into trouble.. thats why the leadership team around me is so necessary. A passionate leader who doesn’t listen is dangerous for sure!
I wrote about blind spots back in December, it may relate: http://leadershipfreak.wordpress.com/2009/12/16/blind-spots/
Thanks for your comments,
Leadership Freak,
Dan Rockwell
February 21st, 2010 at 12:01 am
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