Of Leaders and Lemmings
Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at 11:18AM It is said there is a very fine veil between what might be considered “genius” and what one might deem as “crazy”. The common denominator is that neither is typically steeped in the context of main stream thinking.
I have a quote hanging in my office by Ramtha that states, “The reason someone is a genius and knows things you do not know is because he has opened his mind to contemplate the ‘what if’s’, the outrageous thoughts, the thoughts of brilliance that go beyond the limited thinking of man. He has allowed himself to entertain and reason with these thoughts, whereas you have rejected them. It is very simple to be a genius. All you have to do is think for yourself.”
If that be the case, what I find myself fortunate to attract into my life is a fair number of geniuses. These fascinating and talented folks, bent on making a difference in our world, have strange and delightful ideas. Their time and energy is not spent marinating in an ongoing dose of CNN, the doom of the current economy and the drama of “what’s wrong” with this, that or the other.
Once I learned the distinction that there is more power in taking a stand for something one believes in (vs. wasting energy on what’s not working), it was easier for me to recognize wise leaders, the genius among us.
Being a mom, I’ve had more than my share of times my darlings have said, “Mom, you’re weird.” My response, “You get weird or boring for a mother. Pick one.” To date, they haven’t voted on “boring”. I’m also intending that that my “take a stand for something” will simmer on the back burners of their brains. I’m currently holding the belief that standing for change vs. whining about what’s wrong actually is becoming more mainstream, even if forced by the current state of affairs in our world.
Last week, a friend was talking about a futurist he had learned from who talked about looking to those who think on “the fringe” or the “outer edge” of main stream thought. The belief was that is the place where things start. New ideas, inventions, capability thinking and creative energy is birthed “on the edge”. I have always been intrigued with non-traditional thinkers, the ones on the peripheral…the visionaries, leaders and breakthrough crazy people who can hold the context for a new paradigm. By nature, these masters of their convictions live in possibility thinking vs. lemming thinking. They also can bring the new consciousness to the masses.
If you are unfamiliar with what I’m referring to as “Lemming Thought”, a great visual of this concept was done in 1985, when Apple ran a Superbowl ad called “Lemmings”. You can see it at this link www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYP1Tjgt1Ao if you can’t remember (or weren’t born yet). It reminds me of the famous saying of parents in response to how unfair we are because “...all of my friends get to (insert what you’re bad or unfair about here)!”
Inasmuch as thinking for oneself is a quality of a great leader, it’s crucial to not create a state of operating in a vacuum, being right or Lone Rangership. The best leaders in organizations are usually smart enough to hire others with better skills than the leader or visionary has in different domains. They are fabulous coaches, teachers, mentors and story tellers. They have the ability to move people to action. As much as they understand that they guide the ship, they know they are not likely to get where they choose to be in the time they intend to get there if they row alone.
Numerologically, 2009 is a “2” year – a year of partnership, collaboration and alliances. Is the genius called “You” connecting with other fringe thinkers to make something spectacular happen in the world? Is your network all about “knowing more people” or are you intending to build relationships with those you know? Can you allow yourself to think beyond “what someone might say” if you didn’t follow the masses when you know it to be fruitless for creating what you say matters in your life? Being a lemming is easy. Being a genius is easy. Being both is not.
Be careful. If you stick your toe into the water on the peripheral of main stream thinking, you might find it very enticing to find new and interesting things and ideas there. You may not choose to look back at what “the masses” are doing. It can even be lonely for awhile…ask any pioneer. What if you would have to give up the idea that those you love or work with may join you? They may or they may not. The most important thing for you to feel fulfilled, brilliant and alive is to bring forth your brilliance and be the genius you are in this lifetime.
Yet there will be times for miracles to be brought to your awareness. Even though your non-traditional thought might be weird or crazy to many, someday you’ll be heard – and you may even be an inspiration! As an example, just last week, my Aries child, who will soon be legal in all states for all things, called to ask me a question about astrology. “Mom, is Aries a fire sign? What does that mean?” (insert giant smile here) Please understand a question like that coming from this child is like getting a tree to rake leaves. Uh oh...I might just need to move closer to the edge…
Come there with me and be inspired!
Cindy
Reader Comments (2)
Did you know that your blog appeared on my LinkedIn? How cool is that? I attended a CEO Roundtable and the discussion was about how "fringe" thinkers within companies need to be nurtured because this is the best way to keep companies moving forward. I like to believe I'm on the fringe, at least that's what my ex-wife and two girls remind me of weekly! Thanks to you and the CEO Roundtable, I now know it's not such a bad thing.
Welcome to the edge, Tom! It's where everything happens... Thanks so much for your feedback.
Cindy