We all have to much to learn from one another --- and it is often "the outsider" that brings a fresh perspective that reminds us of what we need to develop in ourselves. Adam Lambert (American Idol) has offered up three leadership lessons by his example. They are lessons that bring hope and possibility for change if we are open enough listen to someone who by his own admission is DIFFERENT. If we all just took a little from him, I know it could be a catalyst for transforming how we believe in ourselves, think, operate, and appreciate each other.
FIrst, the kids in my family got me hooked on American Idol some years back. I love seeing people reach inside themselves to discover their greatness. This year, I know I am not alone in witnessing how Adam Lambert took the possibilities on the AI stage to a whole level with every performance. I loved watching him; to being surprised by him. I've truly looked forward each week to watching how Adam opened his carefully developed "artist's tool bag" to bring us a new dimension of his talent. Adam set a new standard of excellence for American Idol and for all of us, at a time when we all need to be reminded of the care and commitment that true EXCELLENCE REQUIRES.
Leaders throughout the ages have led by example, leaving their imprint, not so much by their words alone, but through their actions and resolute conviction to what they believed in. Below are the three leadership lessons that I observed as I watched Adam in the distance these past months:
LESSON 1:
BE WHO YOU ARE SOONER
Wouldn't we all like to say we did this? Adam Lambert's resolute belief who he is at 27 is moving. He has defied the weakness in others, who so much want to confine him to their labels. Why are we so quick to want to do this to anyone DIFFERENT? It is a limiting practice that inhibits change and innovation in work and life. This "labeling experience" happens to many of us in our lifetimes for a bunch of reasons, but Adam showed a new example in how to respond to it. From the beginning, regardless of the chatter and mean-spirited complaints and disrespectful questions, Adam Lambert humbly, quietly and resolutely made sure he never allowed anyone to make him "shrink" away from what he knew about himself and his dream. Instead he grew into being leader on HIS stage --- the one that reflects "uncharted path that bears HIS name."
Although very different in circumstances, I wrote in my book, Putting Our Differences to Work, about a first-hand account of a journalist's observation reported in the Boston Daily in 1858. He wrote about how Abraham Lincoln transformed before the eyes of the audience as the crowd watched Lincoln step into his calling. This story seems oddly similar to what we've witnessed as ADAM LAMBERT STAR has been born. The journalist wrote in 1858: "...he was graceful, bold, and commanding." ...he spoke with a power we have seldom heard equaled." The words have been similar in many articles describing Adam Lambert's work as an artist and entertainer. Leadership in one's field seems to have distinctive qualities in common across time and circumstances.
LESSON 2:
GREATNESS EMERGES FROM DISCIPLINE and a POWERFUL "TOOL BOX"
Interestingly, as I've read "the Adam Lambert's story," listened to his interviews, heard his parents reflect on his life and youth, and watched him, it brought up the wisdom of Peter F. Drucker, the father of modern management. Drucker wrote in The Post Capitalist Society, "Most of us, (perhaps all of us) know many times more than we put to use. We do not mobilize the multiple knowledges we possess. We do not use knowledges as part of one toolbox." The Adam Lambert brand that he shared with all of us is one of the best examples I've seen in a long while of someone who has opened his carefully crafted "toolbox," thoughtfully hand-picking from his well-earned collection of instruments, which were developed through years of passionately pursuing his dream since age 10. It appears Adam Lambert's collection of tools and gifts have been built by hard work, struggle, risk-taking, triumphs, defeats, and resolute conviction to achieving his dream. He showed all of us how to put our whole "toolbox" to use, as he accumulated a masterful collection of performances. Adam described his strategy early on this way: "I don't become a one-trick pony." It gave me a flashback when my boss at IBM years ago coached me in a similar way about distinguishing oneself as a leader and innovator. He said, "You got to demonstrate over and over that you can 'change your spots.'" Adam set a new standard excellence in radiating one's many dimensions of difference. He showed us that the combinations of excellence are nearly endless, if we thoughtful apply what we've learned to every new challenges at hand.
LESSON 3:
LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR
I think one of the most unexpected lessons learned from the Adam Lambert style is how genuinely and generously interested he is in others. It shows in how he looks into the audience; how he listened and took-in whatever the judges said, always giving a kind of unspoken respect, never discounting their opinions --- never gloating over them --- just listening for what might be good in the advice. The quality of loving your neighbor was also reflected in how Adam related to Allison. His warm way of partnering with her showed all of us what happens when we put your differences to work. As we watched with Kris Allen and others, Adam appeared to build trust and respect one Idol at a time. This is how a leader works, gathering his or her following one respectful deed and investment in others at a time.
There were other affirming examples of Loving your neighbor: Anoop's mention in a recent article how Adam was willing to give up a song if he could see it had a better fit with one of the the other idols' voices. It also showed in Adam being willing to share the credit and his accolades with the band and others who helped you, not only in words, but in looks, in nods of appreciation that transcended any words. In his performance, Play that Funky Music, it was touching to see him turn, stopping in mid-song before the finale, to give the band a special thank you gift--- two seconds of Adam's undivided attention and gratitude. I hope I can be more conscious of giving this same kindness to others in my own world.
I look forward to watching in the distance as Adam Lambert claims his well-deserved place in music history. I feel grateful that in my lifetime, I had the opportunity to learn from his example and to witness with millions of others the birth of Adam Lambert stardom. A BIG STAR! Go, Adam! May you be blessed! Congratulations also to Kris Allen!
In another not-so-surprising show of leadership, Adam Lambert brought real class to Kris Allen's win of the AI Crown. His demonstrated an outlook we all need --- finding joy for our friends' success and helping everyone look to tomorrow with anticipation.
In the words of Adam Lambert:
“For me it’s not really about what happened tonight, it’s about tomorrow. It’s about next. ...I think that Kris won because he’s a great artist and I was happy to be a runner-up to that,” he said, adding that he and Allen had found a lot of common ground despite their very different backgrounds and styles."
“If there’s anything that can come from this experience, and I hope that all the fans out there can pick up on, is that even if you’re really different there’s a way to get along with each other,” Lambert said. “And it’s not about ‘Oh, you beat me because of this,’ or ‘You, you’re different.’ It’s about finding the common stuff that makes it work.” (Reuters Blog)
With respect and admiration,
Debbe
Debbe Kennedy
founder, Global Dialogue Center Twitter@debbekennedy
and Leadership Solutions Companies
author, Putting Our Differences to Work(Berrett-Koehler 2008)
The Fastest Way to Innovation, Leadership, and High Performance
YouTube Book Review by futurist Joel A. Barker