High Potential Collisions
I had lunch with a leader whose style is opposite mine. He is quiet and reserved. I tend to be energetic and outgoing. His strength’s are gentleness and compassion. Qualities I admire but don’t always display.
Seeing him, let me see myself.
Seeing him, let me see qualities I want.
The problem: Leaders tend to connect with those who possess similar qualities not opposite. For example, managers tend to hire employees with qualities like theirs. This means we tend to become narrow and myopic.
You’re richer, more effective, and able to connect with broader ranges of people by reaching out to opposites. During a vision training session I told students, “My value is seeing otherwise.” I’m not here to confirm what you know. I’m her to confront it.
Reaching out to those going where you are going only confirms your current trajectory. Reaching out to your opposite creates a high potential collision.
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Have you experienced high potential collisions with an opposite? What happened?
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Leadership Freak
Dan Rockwell
Congratulations, Dan, on taking the invitation to stretch and grow!
Innovation thrives around people secure enough in themselves to collaborate with others of various strengths. I welcome it – if done professionally and respectfully – and actively encourage my people to do the same. The wellbeing of companies of the future depends on this.
Hi Tracy,
Thanks for a good word and affirmation! You make a strong statement concerning the wellbeing of companies depending on High potential collisions. I think you are right on.
Best to you,
Dan
Tracy’s Blog is at: http://tracyelpoured.wordpress.com/
Good thoughts! So often we stay away from the opposites to keep away from confrontation! That does limit our potential.
Matt
Matt,
I was thinking about ways to get the most out of a high potential collision. I think asking the “opposite” what their greatest strength is and what behavior they do that best expresses their strength. I’m thinking that emulating a behavior is one way to honor a high potential collision.
Best to you,
Dan
Great thoughts Dan!
The appreciation of different perspectives, decisions, and attitudes … thinking why this difference is existed … I always do that and always i discover new worlds …
Thanks Huda, I know you will go far!
Best, Dan
Great thoughts Dan!
The appreciation of different perspectives, decisions, and attitudes … thinking why this difference is existed … is a important to have high potential collisions …
Huda
Thanks for the insightful post Dan!
I value high potential collisions and have had plenty. The key is having a heightened sense of self-awareness as well as an open mind and heart. Human nature is to be comfortable and let’s face it high potential collisions aren’t always comfortable. I believe the desire to be comfortable and create followers is a key reason managers hirer mini-me’s.
One of the things I value most in my closest relationships is that we don’t agree on everything and we challenge each other. It makes for a richer experience. At the end of the day we still respect and care for one another. As well as value differing perspectives.
Best wishes,
Kelly
Kelly,
Thanks for reminding us that knowing ourselves helps open us to others. When we know ourselves and are comfortable, we can be open to others without feeling pressured by them. Additionally, we don’t feel a need to pressure or control them either.
Great insight, thanks,
Dan
You can read more of Kelley’s insights at:
http://theexperiencefactor.com/the-x-blog/
Dan: Keen insight, First communicated effectively to me by an early mentor who placed me in a leadership peer relationship with others whose development was a priority for the enterprise. Different was defined as alternative Myer Briggs profiles (best available at the time to give you some indication of how long ago)
Upfront the objective of our association was clearly articulated and calibrated. Collectively we delivered from our individual areas of responsibility a successful outcome for the project. Some of the participants never found the motivation or means to use the potentially complimentary skills and orientation to deliver the outcome requested. I lost touch with most of them in a relatively short period of time
I am still in touch with some of the individuals who “got it” Each has achieved a variety of successful outcomes for themselves and the people and organizations that they have led with a core believe in the capability are high potential collisions to create enriched environments and attain stretched goals
Dan,
Great insights! You bring up a timely and valid point. It’s interesting how your post not only applies to leadership, but also to politics. When we allow our focus to be narrow, we are less likely to see the possibilities before us. Listening to another point of view is different than agreeing with it. Yet the key becomes respect. I don’t have to agree with you, but I will respect you.
To me, a strong leader is able to look differences in the eye and find common ground. You clearly are one of those leaders. By admiring qualities in others, rather than judging or dismissing them, you open yourself up to greater possibilities. By respecting the ideas, values, qualities and beliefs of others, we have hope for progress and growth.
All the best,
Jen
Dan,
This is the message that needs to start being heard in every “diversity” training workshop going on in businesses all over today. Start challenging your own beliefs by surrounding yourself with people that are different than you. But be ready. When you challenge your own beliefs and really hear the other sides, you may be the one that has to change.