Week 24.52 The Wisdom of Hot Water
Embracing the process, finding joy in discovery, and having the courage to choose what matters most.
This fall, I was out to dinner with a group of friends, and as we got to the end of the meal, my friend, a journalist, ordered hot water. She explained that over the past year, she had committed herself to learning about tea, the varieties, the right temperature, and the length of brew. She had sampled teas from around the world and had come to appreciate their distinct fragrances and nuanced flavors. She said she had enjoyed a wide variety of green teas, Darjeeling, matcha, rooibos, and a deep exploration of black teas. And what she discovered after all of her explorations was that what she enjoyed most of all was the comfort and simplicity of a simple cup of hot water. This anecdote led me to reflect on three key insights: the importance of the journey, the power of simplicity, and the courage to embrace what truly matters.
The intentionality of the process is a crucial aspect of leadership. Just as my friend dedicated herself to exploring the world of tea, leaders must commit themselves to the journey of continuous learning and growth. This process involves seeking new experiences, perspectives, and challenges that push us beyond our comfort zones. By embracing the journey with curiosity and openness, we expand our horizons and develop a deeper understanding of ourselves, our teams, and the world around us. The intentionality of the process allows us to gain valuable insights and skills that we can apply to our leadership roles, even if the final destination is not what we initially expected.
The joy of exploration is another essential element of effective leadership. As leaders, we must cultivate a sense of wonder and enthusiasm for discovering new ideas, approaches, and solutions. This mindset allows us to approach challenges with creativity and adaptability rather than being constrained by preconceived notions or established norms. By fostering a culture of exploration within our teams, we encourage innovation, collaboration, and a willingness to take calculated risks. When we find joy in the process of exploration, we create an environment where our teams feel empowered to share their unique perspectives and contribute to the organization's success.
The bravery of the conclusion is perhaps the most striking aspect of my friend's story. After investing time and energy into exploring the complexities of tea, she had the courage to embrace the simplicity of hot water. Similarly, leaders must have the courage to make difficult decisions and choose the path that aligns with their values and vision, even if it goes against conventional wisdom or popular opinion. This bravery requires a deep sense of self-awareness, authenticity, and trust in one's own judgment. By demonstrating the courage to stand by our convictions and make tough choices, we inspire those around us to do the same and create a culture of integrity and trust.
In life and leadership, the journey from exploration to conclusion is a powerful one. By embracing the intentionality of the process, the joy of exploration, and the bravery of the conclusion, we can navigate the complexities of leadership with grace and wisdom. For those we lead and love, our willingness to embark on this journey sets a powerful example. It demonstrates that true leadership is not about having all the answers but about having the courage to ask the right questions, explore new possibilities, and embrace the simplicity of what truly matters. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of leadership, let us remember the wisdom of hot water - that sometimes, the greatest insights and joys can be found in the simplest of things.
With love, gratitude and wonder.
Scott
Nike should have never killed its NFTs by Dr. Marcus Collins and Grant McCracken
In a timely analysis of Nike's recent decision to shut down RTFKT, my friend Marcus Collins examines how corporate short-termism can stifle revolutionary innovation. He explores how Nike's virtual sneaker label, despite generating $185.3 million in NFT sales in 2023, fell victim to broader company struggles and a shift in tech trends from Web3 to AI. The closure, coming amid Nike's financial challenges and leadership changes, represents what Collins sees as a missed opportunity in brand evolution.
Collins argues that RTFKT's true potential lay in its groundbreaking approach to cultural engagement through augmented reality. He illustrates this through vivid examples of AR-enabled products, like sneakers with moving Nike swooshes and hoodies that sprout wings, painting a picture of how brands could become active participants in cultural creation rather than mere observers. This decision to sunset RTFKT, he suggests, reflects a broader corporate tendency to sacrifice long-term innovation for short-term metrics, potentially costing Nike a pivotal role in the future of brand engagement.
Cracking the Code: How NYT's "Connections" Game Mirrors the YouScience Inductive Reasoning Assessment by Betsy Wills
My friend Betsy wrote a fascinating article connecting the popular New York Times' Connections puzzle game to the broader concept of inductive reasoning and career aptitude testing. She explores how the daily word-grouping challenges in Connections mirror the same cognitive skills measured by YouScience, a career assessment tool featured in her new book "Your Hidden Genius." The article draws engaging parallels between the satisfaction of solving puzzles and the practical application of pattern recognition skills in various career paths, from data analysis to marketing strategy.
The piece goes on to explain how YouScience transforms traditional career testing by using game-like exercises to objectively measure aptitudes, making it particularly appealing to puzzle enthusiasts. Betsy also highlights how her book democratizes access to these valuable assessment tools, which were previously expensive and limited in availability. They effectively argue that the same satisfaction we get from solving daily word puzzles can translate into meaningful career insights when these natural abilities are properly understood and applied. Your Hidden Genius is available for pre-order now
FREE WEBINAR: INFLUENCE: How to Become an In-Demand Expert in Your Industry by Erica Dhawan
My friend Erica Dhawan has created an exciting new webinar focused on helping professionals establish themselves as recognized industry experts. The comprehensive program, titled "INFLUENCE: How to Become an In-Demand Expert in Your Industry," offers practical guidance on securing speaking engagements, publishing in prestigious outlets like Harvard Business Review and Wall Street Journal, and building a substantial professional following both online and offline.
This webinar stands out because it emphasizes proactive career development rather than waiting for opportunities to arise. Participants will learn strategies for growing their LinkedIn presence without experiencing burnout, and benefit from connecting with an ambitious community of like-minded professionals. Live attendees will receive an additional resource outlining eight key strategies for developing executive expertise. The webinar promises to be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to enhance their professional influence and take greater control of their career trajectory.