Who are our “household names”? – Michael Jordan? Kobe Bryant? David Letterman? Jerry Seinfeld? Lady Gaga? Jennifer Lawrence? Chris Rock? Jay Leno? Clint Eastwood?
We agree that each has achieved MASSIVE success in their crafts.
But what is the impact of their success on our lives? What is common denominator of their success?
Hmm. . .
I was unwinding in the creativity incubator (the shower), when an idea swept over me that was awakening and disturbing –
Their success provides us an escape from our realities; sports, entertainment, music – all represent momentary escapes from our realities.
Contrast this with the fruits of leadership. Although, the strongest leaders may never host Saturday Night Live, successful leadership directly impacts people’s realities.
Let that soak for a minute.
Your leadership impacts the mood of your employees’ while driving home. Your leadership impacts how they interact with their family at dinner. Your leadership impacts the attention they provide their children’s homework. Your leadership impacts how their children perform at school. Your leadership impacts the destiny of their children.
Denzel Washingtion provides people a blissful escape from reality.
A Leader provides people enriched realities from which escape is less necessary.
