Leadership Thought Experiments
Albert Einstein’s thought experiments opened a new era of scientific exploration. Here are a couple of thought experiments that might just change everything you think you know about leadership.
Experiment 1
For the next two weeks, start noticing how the words leader or leadership get used around you, in your workplace, in the media or in the movies.
These words are everywhere. Often it's in reference to someone’s title or position. Or when bemoaning the lack of direction, order, protection, or expertise from someone in authority.
Notice your reaction to these words…be it positive and energizing, cynical, neutral or even confused. When these words are misunderstood and misused, we risk undermining the very people and issues we care about. When understood, we have a better chance of leveraging power, and strengthening our own sense of agency.
Then, in a couple of weeks, try this…
Experiment 2
The next time the words leader or leadership are at the tip of your tongue, pause before saying anything…
Give attention to what exactly you're trying to convey.
Then say something different.
For example, say “Board of Directors", "supervisor”, "executive team", or “management team”…if you’re referring to a position of authority. Or, if you’re referring to an act of leadership (or lack thereof), specify a behavior that the “leader” is doing (or not doing).
This second thought exercise may result in you stopping the use of the words leader and leadership altogether. That’s not the goal, but it just might be a desirable side effect.
Easy right? Let’s see what you discover.