Vantage

"Demonstrates a compelling modesty,
shunning public adulation;
never boastful."
Jim Collins on a Level 5 Leader's Personal Humility

A simple change in vantage will change one's opinion of the subject matter. (Consider these two vantages of my home.) In my life, my actions can be perceived differently than the motive behind them. A good friend passed on this nugget, "We judge people on their actions, but we want to be judged on our motives."

It is so difficult to take a different vantage point to view my own actions before I actually do them. However, I have received some gutsy feedback from different people this week both inside and outside the company that have given me new perspective on some past actions.

I believe that my motives have been in line with Jim Collin's description of a level 5 leader:

1. Demonstrates a compelling modesty, shunning public adulation; never boastful.
2. Acts with quiet, calm determination; relies principally on inspired standards, not inspiring charisma, to motivate.
3. Channels ambition into the company, not the self; sets up successors for even greater success in the next generation.
4. Looks out the window, not in the mirror, to apportion credit for the success of the company—to other people, external factors, and good luck.

However, I believe that from someone else's vantage point, my actions do not reveal level 5 leadership. I am not sure how often, but I heard recently that 1 negative comment equals at least 18 positive comments. Similarly, one post here with any apparent arrogance can shatter others' perspective instantly; and for a long time.

LAD. Minimize unnecessary damage before it happens: consider more than the obvious vantage point before acting.