The sexy stupidity: a leader opportunity.

On my way back from Italy yesterday, I was planning my monthly article for this newsletter and had an intention to focus on dysfunction organisations lacking trust. But I have the opportunity to hear a podcast from Simon Sinek, interviewing Robert Greene and got fascinated with the topic: stupidity.

?In my career I have always faced a dilemma related to when is the point, I will no longer accept stupidity. And my professional life was in somehow drove by this: do the job until the level of stupidity cross your stupidness acceptance. When that happen, you need another challenge inside or outside the company. And I have had a great number of challenges in my life.

?In the company setup we are asked to act the same, feel the same, think the same and follow the same power set by leaders. It doesn't mean that we feel well doing that. According to Gallup Q12 engagement survey, 79% of employees hire their dark emotions, showing that everything is fine, when is not. Something has to change.

Stupidity, Purpose and Fulfilment

The quintessentially of life, refers to the fundamental essence or core principles that define life and its purpose. Different people and cultures have various interpretations of what constitutes the quintessence of life.

For some, it might be happiness, love, knowledge, spiritual fulfilment, or a combination of these elements. Essentially, it represents the most basic and significant aspects that give life meaning and value, according to individual beliefs and perspectives.

Life fulfilment is a complex and multifaceted concept that refers to a sense of satisfaction, contentment, and meaning in one's life. Different people find fulfilment in different ways, and it often involves a combination of personal, professional, social, and spiritual aspects.

Achieving life fulfilment typically involves setting and pursuing meaningful goals, cultivating positive relationships, engaging in activities that bring joy and satisfaction, and finding a sense of purpose or meaning in one's existence.

But where stupidity fits in?

Stupidity is normally associated as negative word. When we are “labelled” as stupid person we are challenging and comparing intelligence, strengths, skills, and areas of expertise.

And when people use such derogatory terms out of frustration, disappointment, or disagreement with the decisions or actions of a leader, your level of stupidness acceptance is deteriorated.

Life is a continues flow and fluid act of changes. When we accept that everything should be settle in a stone, we accept that we reach our limit. And try to predict and live in a certain way. That is dangerous.?

The source of stupidity is certainty. Is when people says: "I have the answer, I know how to do it, is believing that I know the truth". Is the aim to create Utopia in a such Machiavellian way.

A Machiavellian person, refers to someone who is cunning, manipulative, and willing to use deceit and dishonesty to achieve personal goals and gain power.

Simon Sinek quoted brilliantly on his podcast: “The more certain you are, is directly equivalent how stupid you are. The more you embrace uncertainty, the more intelligent you become.”

Uncertainty: facing Problem and Anxiety

The more problems you face on uncertain issues, the higher your anxiety will be.

Anxiety creates the need to learn and questioning to find a solution. And when we are paralysed by fear, we lose the opportunity of learning. Small doses of anxiety is helpful to challenge our thoughts and intelligence.

I was trying to find what time in our civilisation, we have a high peak of uncertainty and I couldn't find any specific time, they were all uncertain times. And when I looked the Golden Age of Greece, I found how stupidity was challenged by the Greek philosophers, Aristoteles, Socrates, Plato and so on.

They lived during the classical period of Ancient Greece, which is generally considered to be between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE (Before Common Era). Their works and ideas laid the foundation for Western philosophy and had a profound influence on subsequent generations of thinkers.

You can challenge uncertainty by learning to question like an Ancient Greek philosopher. Let me inspire you with some questions you can use:

• What evidence supports your belief?: promotes critical thinking.
• Have you considered alternative perspectives?: accept other opinions.
• How did you arrive at that conclusion?: encourage self-reflection.
• What experts or reputable sources support your argument?: challenges misinformation.
• Can you explain the concept in simpler terms?: reveal truly understanding.
• What are the potential consequences of your belief or action?: promote more thoughtful considerations.
• Is there historical or scientific evidence that contradicts your belief?: ?challenges misconceptions.
• ?Are there any logical fallacies in your argument?: improve critical thinking.
• What questions do you have about the topic?: foster curiosity.
• Can you provide examples or real-life situations that support your belief?: promotes deeper understanding.

?And remember your aim should not be, to find and fell comfortable with right answers, but learn something new.

Uncertainty: the sexy stupidity

A leader or anyone, embracing uncertainty transform a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. Rather than fearing the unknown, I view uncertainty as an opportunity for innovation, adaptability, and resilience.

My tips for you to face problems and anxiety with confidence and grace:

1. Embrace the Learning Journey

View problems as challenges meant to refine our skills. Each obstacle becomes a lesson, teaching us resilience and patience. Approach uncertainties as pathways to learning, valuing the knowledge gained during the process.

2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Understand that setbacks are not reflections of our abilities but stepping stones toward success. Embrace a growth mindset, seeing challenges as chances to develop new skills and improve existing ones.

3. Foster a Supportive Community:

Surround yourselves with a supportive and challenge network. Share your challenges openly, knowing that a problem shared is a problem halved. This supportive community offers not only solutions but also empathy, making the journey through uncertainty less daunting.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Compassion:

Prioritise mental well-being in our ideal world. Through mindfulness and self-compassion, acknowledge your anxieties without judgment. Understand that it’s okay to feel uncertain and anxious, and treat yourselves with kindness during these moments.

5. Encourage Creativity and Innovation:

Encourage innovative thinking, seeing problems as opportunities to find unique solutions. Celebrate unconventional ideas and understand that sometimes, the most unexpected solutions lead to groundbreaking outcomes.

6. Emphasise Adaptability:

Understand that change is constant, and we are ready to pivot when circumstances evolve. Instead of fearing change, embrace it, recognizing it as a chance for growth and improvement.

7. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection:

Understand that every step forward, no matter how small, is an achievement. By appreciating the progress made, you reduce anxiety and boost confidence, making the uncertain journey more manageable.

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Problems and anxieties are not roadblocks but stepping stones toward personal and professional fulfilment. We navigate uncertainties with courage, curiosity, and a positive mindset, emerging stronger, wiser, and more resilient on the other side.

And what catches me was a different angle of stupidity. Albert Einstein quote it perfectly:

Is about mastering the learning. Is about taking the sexy stupidity in your favor of a fulfilled and meaningful life.

It is your call.

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