?? The Leadership Seed | Issue 14 ??

The Power of "Who Luck"

People think of luck as a kind of “what” luck, but I’ve had great “who” luck. And “who” luck is when you come across somebody who changes your trajectory or invests in you, bets on you and gives you guidance and mentorship.

Leadership isn't a solo journey. The people we surround ourselves with, our mentors, peers, teams, and even chance encounters shape us more than we often realize. Jim Collins, the renowned business thinker and author of Great by Choice, highlights a concept that resonates deeply with me: "Who Luck."

Collins describes "Who Luck" as the fortune of finding the right people at pivotal moments in your life and career. These individuals, often by sheer chance, can help you unlock new possibilities, navigate difficult challenges, and become the leader you’re meant to be. It’s not just about having luck regarding opportunities but who you’re blessed enough to encounter and have on your journey. I’ve seen this in action many times throughout my life and career.

The Marine Corps Mentor

One instance of Who Luck came early in my career when I was a young infantry Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. Eager and ambitious, I faced the daunting task of leading a group of hard-charging platoon of Marines. My company Gunnery Sergeant, a seasoned and hardened warrior and leader, became my mentor, though I didn’t fully realize it then. He was a great leader who was very generous in passing his wisdom, knowledge, and experience on to me. He taught me what it really means to lead with discipline, respect, and a human touch. Without him, I would have fumbled through those early years. His presence at that time made all the difference. His guidance and mentorship helped shape my leadership approach in ways that have stayed with me for life. Without him, my path to becoming an effective officer and leader would have been much harder. His influence embodied Who Luck: the right person at the right time to guide me through a critical leadership stage.

The CEO Opportunity

Another pivotal moment came when I was offered my first CEO role. Another pivotal moment of Who Luck came when I was offered my first opportunity to become a CEO. As many of you may know, landing your first CEO role can be challenging, as it can be like the proverbial chicken and egg scenario. Someone saw the potential, believed in me, and helped me cross that chasm. This trust reshaped my view of leadership and my capabilities and inspired me to look for, serve, and support others on a similar journey however I can.

Leadership Coaching?

And it didn’t stop there. When I transitioned into leadership coaching, I connected with an executive who needed guidance. That relationship challenged me to refine my coaching skills and opened even more doors. Again, it wasn’t just luck; it was Who Luck that made the difference. Connecting with the right person at the right time helped me take my career in new and rewarding directions.

Board Director 101?

As an aspiring board director, "Who Luck" can significantly shape your effectiveness, impact, and potential board service opportunities. Networking with and serving alongside experienced board members can provide invaluable mentorship opportunities. A seasoned director once took me under their wing, offering guidance on navigating my board journey. This mentorship enhanced my effectiveness as a board member and shaped my leadership perspective in other ways.

Jim Collins suggests that while we often focus on "what" luck—being in the right place at the right time—who luck often matters far more. When I reflect on my career, it’s clear that the people I encountered have played a bigger role in my success than any particular circumstance or opportunity.

So, how do you cultivate more "Who Luck"?

• Be open to learning from everyone. Whether it's a mentor, a team member, or someone you meet briefly, every interaction is a chance to learn.
• Nurture your relationships. Don’t wait for people to show up. Proactively build and invest in relationships with those who share your values and vision. Seek opportunities to connect with leaders from various industries and backgrounds.
• Show gratitude. The people who’ve helped you along the way have played a key role in your leadership journey. Acknowledge and thank them regularly.
• Pay it forward: Offer mentorship and support to emerging leaders and be willing to be someone else's "Who Luck.”
• Be open to learning. Approach every interaction as a potential learning opportunity. "Who Luck" can come from unexpected sources. Practice active listening.
• Create opportunities for others. Become a source of "Who Luck" for those around you. This will help others and can also lead to unexpected benefits for your own leadership journey.

Be Someone Else's "Who Luck"

As much as we are shaped by those we meet, we have the power to become the catalyst for someone else's Who Luck. Think about the people in your life right now, your colleagues, mentees, or even that rising leader you haven’t fully connected with yet. Could you be the one who helps unlock their potential? Be the mentor who shows up at the right moment, the leader who opens a door, or simply the person who sees greatness in someone before they see it in themselves.

The beauty of Who Luck is that we all can pass it forward, becoming the spark for someone else's journey toward greatness. Who Luck doesn’t have to be some grand, life-altering moment. Sometimes, it’s just showing up, offering advice, or believing in someone before they fully believe in themselves. We can shape someone else’s journey in ways we might not even realize. Leadership isn’t just about what we achieve; it’s about who we help along the way.

So, what’s the takeaway? It’s not just about recognizing Who Luck shows up in your life; it’s about actively creating it for others. Here’s the real challenge for all of us: Are we being the Who Luck for someone else? Look around—who in your life could use a nudge in the right direction? Could you be that mentor, that voice of encouragement, or someone who opens a door?

Keep your eyes open for those opportunities. Someone, somewhere, could use your support to unlock the next big step in their leadership journey.

For more articles, expert insights, and resources on leadership, subscribe to The Leadership Seed?and join our growing community of authentic, ethical leaders who inspire, innovate, and drive meaningful results and positive change.

Learn, grow, and lead well,

Thank you for reading ?? The Leadership Seed ??. I appreciate you investing time to learn, grow and lead. I hope you found the content helpful. If you did, please:

1. COMMENT | Share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with the community.
2. SUBSCRIBE | Never miss an issue or insight.
3. SHARE | Pay it forward to other leaders who are hungry to grow.

★ Connect with me to join the conversation, collaborate, and share networks.

★ Follow ?? The Leadership Seed ?? or visit our website for more great content.

★ Send me a note directly at [email protected].

★ Schedule some time to chat.

#leadership #character #results #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoaching #mentoring #theleadershipseed #entrepreneurship #careertransition #learngrowlead #leadership_character_results

Copyright ? 2024 by The Leadership Seed. All rights reserved.