π€© Are Celebs Supposed To Be "Leaders"?
Last week I posted this little POV on Ramy and, damn...the comments went wild. Something about this show really gets people triggered. The funny thing is that if you watch my video on it, I'm actually not saying much about the show, or about Ramy himself. My question at the end is simply:
"Is Ramy a leader? Discuss."
^^Most people in the comments skipped the question, and instead focused on what they loved/hated about the show itself. But I did have a couple of offline conversations that made me think: what is the role of celebrities in social issues? Some friends argued that people like Ramy are simply creatives; they absolutely "should" do the right thing (like speaking up for Palestine)- just like everyone else "should." So when rising stars like Ramy do make a statement like the one in my video above, it's not a big deal. It doesn't make them "a leader."
But that begs the question - what about everyone else...everyone who doesn't do what they "should" do? This made me think: do we, and should we, measure leadership through the lens of relativity? This is certainly the strategy of the current Democratic party: "Vote for Biden because otherwise you'll get Trump." Okay...but is Biden worse than Trump? And does it matter who's "worse" if Biden is still objectively a terrible, divisive leader responsible for a mass genocide?
If you remember from last week, to put it simply: a leader guides people towards something. By this definition, I would argue that public figures - like Ramy - guide people towards something. Whether that "something" is a certain story, a certain point of view, a certain conversation (like the one we're having right now)...by this definition, they are a leader.
What do you think? Is leadership relative? And who are some public figures that you look up to for leadership, celebrities or otherwise? Reply to this email with your thoughts - I'd love to hear them.
π€π½ The Importance Of Building Trust
What does "building trust" even mean, and can it be built? I've been working on this topic with clients a ton lately. So let's get into it. What is trust?
"Trust is in part based on the extent to which a leader is able to create positive relationships with other people and groups." - Harvard Business Reviewβ
I like-ish this definition by HBR, but it references trust only through the lens of "leaders." However, I do like how it frames trust as a core element of creating positive relationships. I believe that trust is established when you do the thing you say you're going to do. Here's how this can play out whether you're a manager, founder, or employee...or just a person who every interacts with other people.
"I'd like for you to grow in this one area over the next 3 months, and then I'd love to consider the raise you're asking for."
β
You (as the manager) clearly outline what growth milestones look like, and you proactively bring up the process of how to get a raise, and/or advocate for your direct report to get them here.
β You (as the manager) ignore this request for 3 months, and expect your direct report to figure out how to grow on their own, and you never bring up the raise unless they do (and you hope they forget about it soon).
"I'll update you on this project by end of day."
β
You send them the project update, even if it's not complete.
β You don't update them on the project because you're embarrassed that you haven't made all the progress you thought you would.
"You've got a lot on your plate, I'll cook dinner tonight."
β
You take on the responsibility of grocery shopping, prepping and making sure dinner is ready.
β You don't make dinner, and/or you rely on the other person to do parts of it and/or provide emotional labor in the prepping process.
In each of these scenarios, you can see how important communication is, and how doing the thing you said you would do creates or destroys the possibility for a positive relationship (i.e. trust), which is - IMO - essential to being a strong leader.
β Drenched In Chinatown
Itβs been a rainy winter here in SoCal and βPotluck Storiesβ has been in and out of hibernation (Gaza, work, $$β¦etc.). But we are coming back with not 1 but 2 events ready to go for April & May!
Join me at DRENCHED on 4/27 to say goodbye to & commemorate the rainy SoCal winter weβve had. Weβre co-hosting with the coolest new co-working space in town, Studious Coworking Space for an afternoon guided conversation & interactive storytelling. It's a great way to make friends (I met all my LA friends here!), have fun out of the box conversations, and hear some entertaining stories. Use code SPRING5 as a thank you for your continued support on all the things π
(Reply here if you want to tell a story and/or partner for either event!)
π₯¨ Snacks
π Did you know this about stress?
π€ Does America even believe in free speech anymore?
ππ½ I can't believe this happened at COACHELLA.
π₯ Music video or lit brand collab?
π¬ Develop your "soft skills" with your kids (and everyone else).
Want to explore working with me on leadership, communication, or for a company workshop?
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