We welcomed a partner years ago who, within just months of starting with our company, closed a $300,000 order. Seem like chump change? Simmer down, big guy. It meant everything in the world to us at that point. He aced the sale entirely on his own and being a partner, he knew exactly what this meant for us, including profit margin, which set a new standard for us moving forward.
With good intentions, one of our other partners, who had an extra two years of tenure, really wanted to show him how much the company appreciated his efforts. With good intentions, he went rogue, and on behalf of the company, he rewarded the new partner with Bluetooth over-ear headphones to celebrate the win. There was no cash compensation or bonus; his atta boy was Bluetooth hardware as a conduit for our partner to blast U2 on an airplane.
This former partner had zero clue what sort of reward would have been appropriate for landing such a large deal. Even more importantly, delivering a fair or over-the-top incentive could have been a massive catalyst for growth, motivating this exec to close more deals! He lacked the ability to see that Leadership in any business requires the ability to see things through another’s perspective.
He lacked the awareness to see the world through another’s eyes, and let’s just say it, let his insecurity of others’ success overpower doing the right thing, We still joke internally about those Bluetooth headphones being one of the most offensive gifts OAT.
Good leadership demands emotional intelligence (EQ) the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions and those of others. It’s about self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.
Imagine being a manager with Country Club Syndrome never heard of it? Those whose world revolves around a plush lifestyle while everyone else’s struggles are invisible are diagnosed with Country Club Syndrome. If you’re complaining about a remodeling project in the west wing of your country club while your team is just trying to scrape by, you’re not just out of touch; you’re fueling resentment.
Embrace new perspectives by listening to different viewpoints and avoiding an echo chamber. Different opinions provide unique insights that contribute to success if you listen with an open mind. You can improve problem-solving, creativity, and empathy by considering various perspectives. It’s not a bad hack for a quick show of charisma, too, if that’s of interest.
So, remember: Perspective isn’t static. It’s dynamic and essential for growth. Here’s one thing that is static: EQ. Open your mind, avoid the trap of narrow thinking, and don’t let your ego blind you. Whether you’re closing deals or managing a team, seeing beyond your nose can be the difference between brilliance and being a total jackass.