VIM Executive Coaching draws its inspiration from both Western and Eastern thinking, and for this week’s post, we want to draw on both influences. At first, they may not seem to be connected, but rest assured they are.
Many years ago, there was a remarkable demonstration of martial arts in the coliseum of a major east coast sports complex. As part of the competition, various forms of Tai Chi were compared, contrasted and judged. In case you were wondering, though the rhythmic and beautiful Tai Chi applications take years to “perfect,” in its martial arts applications it is a powerful and potent tool.
As the competition narrowed down the field to three, there was a rather stark contrast. Two of the finalists were agile, balanced and quite impressive. Their movements were breathtaking in flow and execution. When observed, they appeared to move more like ballet or jazz dancers in the beauty of their forms. Initially, there was no doubt that either could win the competition. It was indeed a toss-up.
Then the third came along. He was an older gentleman who walked with a pronounced limp on a twisted foot. His face carried reddened scars. His right leg was misshapen and his movements uncoordinated. It seemed to most of the audience that he had made it into the finals as “an accommodation,” perhaps a nod to disability.
His movements were not smooth, his steps were not even, and his kicks and soft punches lacked “purity,” and yet, with a slight smile, he completed the form to respectful applause. After the five judges conferred, they announced their decision: the man had won.
I don’t get it
The “I-don’t-get-it” whispers around us ranged from “the fix was in,” to “must be the judge’s father.” Neither of those declarations, and then some, echoed the sentiments of the lead judge.
The lead judge talked of intention, overcoming adversity and adherence to balance, separation and principles. The martial artist was connected to his roots and connected to himself. What does this have to do with leadership?
We see the same forms in the pursuit of executive leadership. There are numerous leaders who claim the right schools, the right business associations and the right “credentials” who get easily hired, go to work for prestigious companies, and yet fail to impact or impress their organizations.
Some will point to the famous old canard of leadership and say, “See, a Harvard MBA is no guarantee of success!” Well…VIM Executive Coaching has also met highly talented Harvard MBAs as well as those executive leaders who barely made it into small universities located in the middle of rural counties.
The difference between success and failure in often authenticity. The man who struggled against his deformities, disability and less than perfect coordination learned to excel despite the challenges he had been given. His Tai Chi form made the best of what he had to offer and he knew that despite his flaws he could succeed within himself. Perhaps that is why he smiled. His every movement was a triumph. He knew it, and those who judged saw it.
So too, with leaders who overcome their own demons and obstacles. They develop greater empathy, greater respect for others and an appreciation for their mindful journeys. One of those who saw his competitors said their form was beautiful, like skilled dancers.
What they meant, more deeply, is that the other competitors moved disconnected from the earth; from their purpose.
Executive leaders can learn a great deal by watching others who, less than perfect, overcome challenge to uplift everyone around them. Leadership is not about perfection, but to help others see perfection in themselves.