The Mirror and the Window: Leading Work

In the most recent session at the Collective Cafe, I delved into Brian Collins ' 11 key principles on leading work, offering my unique perspectives on each. Collins' principles, shared in a LinkedIn post (link here), provide a thought-provoking framework for leaders in any field.

The Collective Cafe takes place on most weekday mornings, M-F 8-9am EST in Discord and sometimes X/Spaces. You can also subscribe to the podcast version if you can't make it live.

1. Listen. Prove that You Are Listening.

My Take: Active Engagement. True listening goes beyond hearing words; it's about engagement and understanding. It's a skill to mirror back not just the words, but the intent and emotion behind them. This fosters genuine connections and deeper insights.

2. Ask the Next Question.

My Take: Endless Curiosity. Leadership thrives on curiosity. Each question is a step towards uncharted territories, revealing layers of understanding that might otherwise remain hidden.

3. Find the Story No One Else is Seeing.

My Take: Uncover Hidden Gems. In every narrative, there's an unexplored angle. Identifying this can differentiate a good leader from a great one. It’s about finding the 'unseen' and bringing it to light.

4. Work at the Boundary of Known and Unknown.

My Take: Embrace the Fringe. True originality emerges at the intersection of knowledge and the unknown. This is where innovation is born.

5. Quantity over Quality, at First.

My Take: Embrace the Messy Process. Innovation is messy. The initial focus should be on quantity, as it's from this creative chaos that quality eventually emerges.

6. Kill the Crap.

My Take: Ruthless Refinement. After the initial burst of ideas, it's crucial to be brutally honest and refine, refine, refine. This process turns good into great.

7. Be Confident, Not Big.

My Take: Humble Confidence. Confidence is key, but it must be tempered with humility. Arrogance blinds, while humble confidence enlightens.

8. Courage to be Disliked.

My Take: Stand Firm in Conviction. Not all decisions will be popular. The courage to stand by them, despite opposition, is a hallmark of true leadership.

9. Every Detail Matters.

My Take: The Devil’s in the Details. Attention to detail can make or break a project. It's often the smallest elements that have the biggest impact.

10. Own Your Failures, Share Your Successes.

My Take: The True Essence of Leadership. Leaders must take responsibility for failures and share successes with their team. This fosters respect and loyalty.

11. Failures Are Lessons.

My Take: Embrace Every Stumble. Each failure is an opportunity for growth. The key is to learn, adapt, and move forward.

Bonus: The Mirror and the Window

In the realm of effective leadership, the "Mirror and Window" analogy presents a profound understanding of responsibility and recognition. When things go wrong, a true leader looks in the mirror, accepting responsibility and reflecting on personal accountability. This introspection is crucial for growth and improvement, acknowledging that as a leader, one's decisions and actions significantly influence outcomes. Conversely, when success is achieved, a leader looks out the window, attributing the triumphs to their team. This approach not only fosters a culture of appreciation and respect but also empowers and motivates team members, acknowledging their contributions and efforts. This mirror-and-window perspective is a testament to humility and integrity in leadership, balancing self-awareness with the acknowledgment of others' roles in collective achievements.