Leadership - A Science Experiment? (July 2024)
I just finished reading the book “The Martian”, by Andy Weir. To be honest, early on, I wondered if I was going to be able to make it through this book.
I am not an engineer or scientist, and the book, which includes detailed step by step descriptions of problem solving for botanical, engineering and chemistry issues, made me want to close it and stop reading.
However, what kept me reading was the main character, Mark Watney, and his consistent curiosity, determination, and willingness to experiment.
In an impossible situation, he has to be willing to think outside the box to survive and it is his scientific training that supports him to be innovative and risk tolerant.
So I started thinking about the scientific process. Science is remarkable because it is built upon the constant questing for the complete truth.
Unlike rigid dogmas or fixed belief systems, science thrives on the very notion that what we know today may not be the complete picture. It is this openness to new ideas, this willingness to re-examine our assumptions, that fuels progress.
The true power of science lies not in the pursuit of perfection or the quest to "get it right" every time. Rather, it is the experimental structure and the rigorous process of investigation that fosters our curiosity and drives us to uncover new ways of comprehending the world around us. Each experiment, each hypothesis tested, represents an opportunity to expand our knowledge.
Through the perspective of the scientific process, I then started to think about my area of expertise, Leadership and Coaching.
What if, as Leaders, we were willing to look at our Leadership style as a scientific experiment?
If we led with curiosity, grounding ourselves in the fact that it is HIGHLY LIKELY that what we know today may not be the complete picture, how might that change our perspective and actions right now?
What might we be assuming about our business, our team or the world that is influencing us to make short-sighted decisions?
One of the main reasons people are unhappy in their jobs is because they do not feel supported by their Leader(s).
How powerful might we be as leaders if we used the foundation of experimentation to help us grow?
If we let go of being right and instead, leaned into curiosity
If we were willing to slow down to be intentional and present in all interactions with our team(s)
If we could objectively analyze our intent (hypothesis), our actions (experimentation) and the effects (results)
If we were willing to not only use the above analysis for self-growth, but we were willing to share where we are and how we are trying to improve with our team(s)
Answer to all of the above is “MORE POWERFUL AND IMPACTFUL THAN YOU COULD EVER FREAKING IMAGINE”
I have been happiest when my leaders were willing to bring me along on their leadership journey and they inspired me to do the same with my teams.
When we look at the world around us, it can feel like we have landed on another planet. Everything is changing and the things that have “always worked” for us in business and our lives, are now uncertain. Let’s lean into the curiosity and possibilities of the little kid inside all of us - dreaming to be an astronaut (hence the picture), singer, painter, rock star, etc.
NOW IS THE TIME for us to lead with curiosity and an experimental mindset to help create a sustainable future for the world!
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If you are an Executive or Leader who is ready for your Leadership Experiment - I am here to support and coach you on that journey. Feel free to message me directly.