Not long ago, I was watching a movie about Jeff Bezos and his story of starting Amazon. In one specific scene, he is at the library meeting with the CEO of Barnes and Noble at the time.
During the meeting the CEO describes himself as a conqueror while making a significant offer to Bezos to buy his idea. Toward the end of the conversation, Bezos replies that he is not trying to be a conqueror, but an explorer.
So, what does it mean to lead like an explorer and not simply try to conquer? Imagine leading like an explorer, forging new paths and constantly seeking new opportunities. Whether you lead a team at work, a group of volunteers, or just your family, you can adopt the mindset and approach of an explorer to take your leadership abilities to the next level.
Curiosity
Bezos had an idea of how to leverage the growth of online commerce, and according to the movie, he brought it to his boss at the time to use to grow their business. His idea was not embraced. He became curious about what he could do to take advantage of this opportunity he saw.
Leading like an explorer requires a sense of curiosity and a hunger for discovery. Explorers are always seeking new knowledge and understanding, and as a leader, you should encourage your team to do the same. Embrace the unknown and encourage innovation and creativity. As an explorer, you are unafraid to take risks and try new things. Encourage your team to leave their comfort zones and pursue new opportunities.
Resilience
As Bezos stood in his kitchen discussing the possibilities with his wife he made a decision. He was going to quit his safe, stable, and profitable job to start a business that he had no idea whether it would succeed.
As he made multiple phone calls to friends he was rejected. People did not understand or possibly believe in the idea so they were not willing to invest. This did not deter him. He continued to pursue the idea.
A leader who has an explorer’s mindset understands the journey is not always easy, and they are prepared to face challenges head-on. As a leader, it is important to instill a sense of resilience in your team. Encourage them to persevere in the face of adversity and adapt to changing circumstances. When you lead by example and show resilience in your actions, you can inspire your team to do the same.
Communicate Effectively
According to the movie, Bezos was in the library, where he got the idea for the name Amazon. As he met with this high-powered CEO Bezos made it clear he could not be bought. Shortly after returning to the garage home office, he communicated the vision and the plan for the future to his small team.
Explorers must communicate effectively. When you lead like an explorer you are in unknown territory and have often inspired some others to join you on the journey. Explorers often work in teams, relying on each other’s strengths and expertise to navigate through this unfamiliar territory.
When leading like an explorer, foster a culture of collaboration and open communication within your team. Encourage the sharing of ideas, active listening, and mutual support. When you communicate effectively, you build a strong and cohesive team that can overcome any obstacles coming your way.
As a leader, you may be in a stage where you need to lead like an explorer. Maybe you need to take your team into uncharted territory to grow. Perhaps you are starting something brand new. Which of these areas do you need to succeed in? Need help thinking into any of these areas? Contact me to experience a powerful coaching session at no cost to you. Lead well!
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