Watching Icebergs
Seeing beyond the surface: How hidden depths enable collective flourishing.
Last week, I attended a funeral with my father where he delivered a eulogy for his friend of fifty years. As photographs were shared and other eulogies given, my father leaned over and whispered how surprised he was to learn so many previously unknown aspects of his dear friend's life. This moment crystallized something profound about human connection and leadership – how even those closest to us are like icebergs, where what we see above the surface represents only a fraction of their full story. The experience made me reflect on how we interact with those in our professional orbits: the people we lead, work alongside, and report to. How much do we really know about their full stories, their struggles, their triumphs beyond the workplace? What hidden talents, passions, and experiences might lie beneath the surface, invisibly informing their perspectives and contributions? This reflection offers three vital insights: the importance of giving others the benefit of the doubt, acknowledging the vast universe of unknowns in each person's life, and approaching every interaction with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Giving others the benefit of the doubt requires us to suspend quick judgments and remember that everyone's actions are shaped by circumstances we may not see. Just as an iceberg's visible tip reveals nothing of its massive foundation below, when a team member seems distracted, arrives late, or appears less engaged, there could be countless invisible factors at play – health challenges, family responsibilities, personal growth journeys, or life transitions that remain unspoken. As leaders, we must create space for these human realities while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Treating others as though they have good intentions encourages a more optimistic and trusting view. By acknowledging the complexity of human experience, we create psychological safety that enables our teams to bring their authentic selves to work, even during challenging times.
Acknowledging the universe of unknowns in each person's life means embracing humility in our assumptions about others. Just as my father discovered new dimensions of his longtime friend at the funeral, we must recognize that our colleagues and team members have rich histories, diverse experiences, and hidden talents that may never surface in our day-to-day interactions. Like the submerged portion of an iceberg, these unseen aspects often dwarf what we observe in the workplace. This awareness should inspire us to ask better questions, listen more intently, and remain open to surprising discoveries about the people we think we know well. Sometimes, the most valuable insights and innovations come from unexpected places – from the quiet engineer's passion for music or the sales manager's previous career as a teacher. These hidden dimensions of experience enrich our organizational fabric in ways we might never anticipate.
Approaching every interaction with wonder and curiosity transforms how we engage with our teams and colleagues. Instead of seeing people through the narrow lens of their job descriptions or current roles, we can choose to view them as complex individuals with fascinating stories waiting to be discovered. This perspective shift doesn't require crossing professional boundaries; it involves bringing genuine interest and openness to our everyday interactions. When we approach leadership with this sense of wonder, we often uncover unexpected synergies, hidden capabilities, and opportunities for growth that might otherwise remain hidden beneath the surface. Rather than acting like we know the answers, this curiosity-driven approach to leadership can spark innovation, foster creativity, and build stronger, more resilient teams capable of navigating complex challenges together.
In life and leadership, how we perceive and interact with others shapes the culture and success of our organizations. By giving others the benefit of the doubt, acknowledging the vastness of what we don't know, and maintaining a sense of wonder in our interactions, we create environments where those we lead, and love can bring their whole selves to work and their relationships. Like my father's experience at the funeral, we may find that there are always new depths to explore in the people around us – vast underwater landscapes of experience and wisdom waiting to be discovered, if only we remain open to seeing beyond the surface.
With love, gratitude and wonder,
Scott
The Essentials of Launching a Podcast—Without Overcomplicating It by Dorie Clark
My friend Dorie Clark, an expert in personal branding, explores the significant impact of podcasting as a tool for networking, brand-building, and establishing credibility. In her article, she shares wisdom from podcasting expert Robbie Samuels about launching a successful podcast without unnecessary complications. Clark emphasizes that podcasting success requires patience and consistency, with Samuels recommending a two-year commitment before evaluating results. She outlines practical starting points including basic equipment needs (a good microphone and reliable hosting platform) while highlighting that quality content matters more than elaborate setups. The article covers strategies for crafting engaging episodes, attracting listeners through quality content, and leveraging guest networks for growth.
Clark's advice reminds potential podcasters that successful shows develop gradually through regular publishing schedules and thoughtful content creation. She suggests that podcasting provides a structured opportunity to connect with industry leaders while establishing authority in one's field. For those hesitant to start their own show, Clark offers an alternative path of appearing as a guest on established podcasts to increase visibility and share expertise with broader audiences. For more insights on developing your personal brand and getting your voice out there, join her email list at dorieclark.com/subscribe
Disagree Without Proving Them Wrong: A Lesson from the World’s #1 CEO Coach by Mike Mackie
In his article, Mike Mackie shares insights gained from his friendship with Mark C. Thompson, the #1 ranked CEO Coach globally. Mackie observes that Thompson has mastered the art of disagreement without triggering defensiveness in others. Rather than proving people wrong, Thompson creates an atmosphere of curiosity and exploration during disagreements. This approach acknowledges the psychological "backfire effect," where confronting someone with contradictory facts often strengthens their original position instead of changing their mind.
The article outlines Thompson's framework for effective disagreement, HEAR: Hedge your stance with qualifiers, Emphasize areas of agreement, Acknowledge the other's perspective, and Reframe discussions positively. Thompson approaches disagreements by assuming others bring different but valuable perspectives rather than viewing them as uninformed or biased. Mackie emphasizes that this skill of disagreeing without making others feel wrong distinguishes exceptional communicators and ultimately helps achieve better outcomes in both professional and personal interactions.
Claudia Romo Edelman, a social entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in humanitarian causes, has launched a new newsletter called "The Power of Yes." As the founder of the We Are All Human Foundation and its Hispanic Star initiative, she aims to elevate the Latino narrative by highlighting how this community drives the U.S. economy. The newsletter's first edition focuses on using AI to amplify Latino contributions and shares insights on Super Bowl advertisements, including an analysis of ad performance using AI technology developed by Latino-led tech company Synapbox.
My friend emphasizes the importance of Latinos owning their narrative and positions herself as both a "#factivist" and "#possibilist," grounding her approach in data while believing in collaborative progress. She discusses how the NFL's Super Bowl ads stood out for their powerful messaging about inclusion and respect, particularly praising the work of Latina executive Marissa Solis. The newsletter represents Edelman's commitment to changing stereotypes through information sharing and cross-sector collaboration.