Some Perspective
From time to time, I think back to moments in my life that were seemingly insignificant at the time but now look like major forks in the road. It helps remind me of how much in life is serendipitous—a chance encounter, a small decision, or a good guess can change the course of our lives. Such is the case with my first job after college, when I found myself working as a third assistant in the studio of Michel Tcherevkoff, a renowned still life photographer in New York City. Little did I know that this experience would not only shape my career as a photographer but also teach me valuable lessons about leadership, particularly the importance of humility, creativity, and perspective.
Clients sought out Michel for his unparalleled creativity and his ability to bring their ideas to life in ways that were both visually striking and conceptually compelling. He approached each project as an opportunity to push boundaries and overcome challenges, opportunities to create images that would capture the viewer's imagination and linger in their mind long after they had turned the page. Michel taught me that he based his decision to take on a job on three key factors: compensation, creativity, and the client. He understood that these elements needed to be in balance for him to produce his best work, and this is a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my career. As leaders, we too must consider the value to the company, the potential for growth, and the people who will be responsible for delivering the work when weighing any new initiative. By making creativity a factor in our strategic choices, we can drive long-term value and differentiate ourselves in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Michel's body of work is a master class in the art of perspective. His early photographs used forced perspective and unexpected juxtapositions to challenge the way we see everyday objects and products, while his later work took this concept even further by using a single object to construct an entirely different image. This approach serves as a powerful reminder that we need not be constrained by the status quo, and that with a little imagination, we can reshape reality to align with our vision. As leaders, we can embrace creative problem-solving and encourage our teams to approach each challenge with a fresh perspective. By fostering a culture that values innovation and risk-taking, we can unlock new possibilities and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing world.
Despite his exceptional talent and the high demand for his services, Michel always approached his work with a deep sense of humility. He understood that the key to success in any collaborative endeavor is the ability to meet people where they are and adapt your approach to suit their needs and preferences. Whether he was working with clients who were eager to co-create with him or those who needed a little more guidance and persuasion, Michel had a gift for building strong, trusting relationships that brought out the best in everyone involved. As leaders, we too can cultivate this spirit of humility and empathy, recognizing that our success ultimately depends on our ability to inspire and empower those we lead and love.
In life and leadership, the lessons I learned from Michel Tcherevkoff continue to resonate with me today and I feel fortunate to continue to be able to apply them years later. By embracing humility, creativity, and perspective, we can create a vision that inspires others, foster a culture of innovation and collaboration, and build the kind of deep, trusting relationships that are essential to long-term success. By remembering the importance of small events in our past, we gain additional perspective to the present, as well as the impact that we may have on those around us. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of an increasingly complex world, we can draw upon these timeless principles and evolve into more flourishing leaders who leave a lasting, positive impact on those we love and lead.
With love, gratitude, and wonder,
Scott
The Key To Staying Positive In A Negative World by Harry Kraemer, Jr.
Harry Kraemer recently shared an insightful article about maintaining a positive outlook in the face of economic challenges and negativity. Despite concerns about a potential recession, rising inflation, and the ongoing trade war with China, Kraemer emphasizes the importance of "realistic optimism." As the former chair and CEO of Baxter International, he has weathered numerous economic storms and attests to the power of a positive attitude in overcoming fear and finding solutions.
Kraemer offers five key strategies for staying optimistic: recognizing the cyclical nature of both the economy and life, being prepared for both good and bad times, communicating openly and frequently with stakeholders, responding thoughtfully rather than overreacting, and embodying a confident message as a leader. By adopting these approaches, business leaders can foster resilience, encourage problem-solving, and reduce stress within their organizations. Ultimately, Kraemer argues that projecting an optimistic attitude grounded in reality is one of the best things leaders can do to help their teams navigate uncertainty and gain confidence about the future.
Why We All Need a Work Mate (And No, The Office Dog Doesn't Count) by Morag Barrett
Morag Barrett addresses the often overlooked issue of loneliness at work, particularly among leaders. Despite being surrounded by colleagues and having packed schedules, many leaders confide in feeling isolated and lacking genuine connections. Barrett emphasizes that the real problem lies in focusing too heavily on tasks and goals while neglecting to check in on people's well-being. She cites research from Cigna indicating that loneliness can be as detrimental to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and shares findings from the Ally Mindset Profile revealing that one in five leaders have no friends or allies at work.
To combat workplace loneliness, Barrett suggests practical steps such as practicing empathetic leadership, creating safe spaces for open communication, encouraging peer support, utilizing technology thoughtfully, and rethinking team-building activities. She highlights the power of vulnerability in leadership, noting that admitting to feelings of uncertainty or isolation can make leaders more approachable and foster genuine connections. Ultimately, Barrett emphasizes the importance of making small, intentional choices to build trust and create a more inclusive work environment.
Executive Teams Are Losing Stakeholders’ Confidence. Here’s How to Get It Back by Ron Carucci
Ron Carucci recently wrote an article discussing the declining confidence in executive teams' ability to navigate the challenges posed by economic, geopolitical, and technological disruptions. He highlights several factors contributing to this erosion of trust, including abrupt policy changes, shifting priorities, global tensions, and heightened personal risks for executives. These unprecedented challenges can cause leadership teams to fumble as they navigate uncharted territory, further diminishing confidence in their abilities.
To maintain and strengthen confidence amid turbulence, Ron suggests six strategies for leadership teams. These include aligning decisions with organizational values, modeling fast learning, cultivating psychological safety, presenting a unified front, strengthening cross-functional collaboration, and leading out loud with context. By implementing these practices, leadership teams can demonstrate coherence, conviction, and visible effort, providing a steady hand during uncertain times and making it easier for others to believe in and follow their leadership.