Look Up To Those Beneath You

A true leader, in any business or organization, is the one who recognizes the impact they can have on others as well as the impact others can have on them. Then they learn to check their ego at the door in order to bring in the most talented people possible to make the biggest impact possible on the group, company, customers or community. The key to lasting, high impact leadership is to not be afraid to recruit up, to surround yourself with the best and always look up to those beneath you in the pecking order of life or business.

David Ogilvy, founder of the giant advertising agency, Ogilvy and Mather, used to give each new manager a Russian doll, which contained five progressively smaller dolls inside. A message inside the smallest one read: “If each of us hire people we consider smaller than ourselves, we shall become a company of dwarves. But if each of us hire people who are bigger than we are, we will become a company of giants.”

Do not be afraid to surround yourself with people who are a little better, or even a lot better, than you different areas of the business. It is not only a sign of maturity, but a sign of wisdom, to recognize the benefit which comes from such a dynamic in your business. Far too many strive to control the group by making themselves indispensable and the only one who can solve problems, make decisions or create new opportunities. While it may make them feel needed or important it will ultimately be a disservice to customers and kill the business.

Recruit up, attract better, employ the best of the best. Create a culture where there are no small parts or players – where everyone is encouraged and coached to become their very best. Then make an impact on their lives and lead them to impact others and achieve the extraordinary.

To become a giant in the eyes of others, and to succeed in the 21st century, surround yourself with the best and look up to those beneath you!

Thanks – John McLelland for sharing this thought!