Too often, it seems, we revert to one of three common styles:
- The ‘Preacher,’ where we’re trying to convince others that we have the correct way;
- The ‘Prosecutor,’ where we’re trying to prove somebody else is incorrect;
- The ‘Politician,’ where we’re trying to win the approval of those around us.
There are, of course, times when these styles are appropriate, but the best leaders use a fourth one to great advantage – ‘Scientist.’
‘Scientists’ are constantly seeking out new information to refine their assumptions and models – even if this information disproves earlier ones. Leaders adopting this approach allow for their businesses to be more flexible, to adapt to new information and changing circumstances; in fact, in one Italian study mentioned, a group of budding entrepreneurs taught to think in this way brought in nearly 7 times the customers and a staggering 40 times the revenue of a control group.
The message seems clear – to be successful, leaders need to put their pride aside, actively seek out new information and be open to changing their minds accordingly.
#BusinessFitness #Growth #Strategy #Leadership
Some of my other short posts on leadership that might be of interest:
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