The Curse of Star Baker

I have been a fan of "The Great British Bake Off" (GBBO) over the years.

If you aren't familiar with it...the show revolves around amateur bakers... who... over a series of weeks... compete through various baking challenges to win the overall show. Each week... someone is named "Star Baker" and someone is sent home.

The Curse of Star Baker

The show first aired in 2010 and there are several things that the fans have come to know about it...including "The Curse of Star Baker". While getting Star Baker is exciting for the contestant... almost as exciting as getting a handshake from Paul Hollywood... it has proven to be a burden. Once you achieve the honor... it's tough to maintain and everyone left in the competition is working harder than ever to beat you.

Apparently...no one in the show's history... who has won Star Baker in week 4 (the halfway mark)… has ever gone on to win the overall competition.

Our Leadership Journey

I have noticed over the years... that like the Great British Bake Off... there are people who end up in the "spotlight" for a period of time and then seemingly fall out of favor not that long afterwards. It's almost as if...being TOO visible can fast track you leaving or things not working out as you planned.

A couple of theories are...

1. When people are "climbing the ladder" they try too hard to get noticed so others can see "how fabulous they really are". This can result in the opposite impact they want to achieve. It can lead to them "buying into their own press" rather than delivering to the job at hand or paying attention to those around them. As the saying goes..."pride cometh before a fall"
2. What got you here won't get you there. Each week...the GBBO has a completely new challenge. So winning in pastry week doesn't mean you will win bread week. Same for what get's you visible. YOU might be an excellent subject matter expert (SME) but have no experience leading people or presenting in front of the board of directors.

What Can We Learn?

So....as usual...I don't have all the answers...but I have a few ideas I have tossed around related to this topic.

Run your own race. Like the GBBO... don't get distracted by how others are doing or if others appear to be having more success than YOU. Stay focused on YOUR game plan... do the best you can...play to YOUR strengths.

Failure is often a bigger motivator than success. Failure humbles you and puts things into perspective. Those in the "bottom 3" one week can go on to do really well the next week because they are motivated to stay in the race.

Fame if you win it comes and goes in a minute. Those seeking visibility or fame to get ahead may not realize that it is not the "end game" but rather just the beginning. Once you get there after pushing for it...now what? It is a fleeting moment and it is how you handle yourself in the following moments...when the spotlight fades will define you.

Win or lose...visible or not...be proud of YOU. Like the GBBO...as the competition goes forward the field narrows and there can only be "one winner". Take pride in what YOU have accomplished along the way.

In Closing...

This week's topic made me smile as I have been the victim "of the Curse of Star Baker" and I have seen it over and over again in others. Maybe because I have had the privilege of my career being a patch work quilt of experience it is easier to spot.

My best advice to myself (and others) these days...is in the peace I have found in what I do. I believe I can best be described as an introverted extravert. I want to contribute...add value...make as many people I know wildly successful (whatever that means to them)… yet I am ok being invisible doing it.

I wouldn't turn down Star Baker once in a while (even though I don't seek it) and I am just happy to be here for as long as my talents keep me in the game.

Success isn't final...failure isn't fatal...it's the courage to continue that counts" - Winston Churchill

Keep "Baking"!

Leadership Questions of the Week for YOU:

• What are YOUR thoughts around "Curse of the Star Baker"?
• Can YOU reflect on a time where YOU or someone close to you went from visibility to obscurity? What did YOU learn or observe about that scenario?
• What do YOU think of the couple of theories around why that happens? What would YOU add or change?
• Where are YOU in your journey? Are you craving or working towards MORE visibility? Have YOU thought about what YOU will do with it IF you achieve it?
• Can YOU relate to my introverted extravert description? How are YOU supporting others in their success and visibility?

Thanks for reading….and remember…YOU make a difference!

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