![]() Some of the best and most successful leaders I have worked with virtually always use the language of “we” or “my team” vs “I”. This is about embracing cooperation over competition. This may seem counterintuitive, but this can actually lead to better judgement of you. You may not have caused it, but you’re accountable for it. This is the sign of a responsible leader. Take responsibility for the good and the bad that occurs under your watch.That’s not to say you shouldn’t plan your career, but you shouldn’t do this at the expense of what you’re charged with in the here and now. Take your mind off the next role and focus on achieving your current KPIs.This is where the greatest learning opportunities lie, and self-awareness is a useful buffer against the Icarus trap. As difficult or confronting as it can be, be particularly open to receiving feedback about your work-ons. Seek out feedback from others about your strengths – and your weaknesses.In having to explore and defend our thinking, we are able to see how robust (or not) it truly is. Don’t take your ideas at face value, but instead play devil’s advocate or seek the counsel of people who are likely to hold opposing views. Learn to challenge your own thinking and encourage your employees to do the same.So, here are six remedies to the all-too-common Icarus dilemma: We have the chance to learn from them vicariously and choose a better route. ![]() The fantastic feature about fables are that they lead us quickly to their illustration of a moral lesson. But, as the Greeks would say, “Nothing bad is without something good”. Not listening to wise and experienced people whose judgment you trust.Īll of these are less than ideal outcomes, when it comes to leadership.Falling in love with your own idea, without pausing to assess the risks it might carry.This can happen at an organisational, team and individual level. Focusing exclusively on the giddy heights of growth, without pausing to consolidate, recuperate and reflect.Hogging the limelight and not giving credit to others when it’s due.You often see this in leaders who are great at managing up, but not so hot on managing down – leading their own team. Focusing more on the perception of success, rather than the attainment of true positive outcomes.Focusing way more on the “I” and not on the “we”. Letting our successes go to our head and not remaining humble.Exhibiting Icarus-like behaviour in leadership might look like the following: We only need to take a peek at the behaviour of certain world leaders at the moment to see this in action. But it’s altogether another thing when we let our ego and personal ambitions override what leadership is all about – which is lifting others up. It’s smart to remain focused on your career and to celebrate and enjoy your successes along the way. It’s one thing to strive for your career goals and be the best you can be. When we become overambitious or giddy with our own ego, success and advancement, we too, can become a bit Icarus-like.ĭon’t get me wrong. Greek myths weren’t sugar-coated, that’s for sure.Īs well as for teenage boys who don’t listen to their parents, this Greek myth is also a cautionary tale for leaders. ![]() And what do you know? Icarus flies too close to the sun, the wax melts, his feathers fall off his body and Icarus falls into the sea. Anyone with teenage boys can probably relate at this point. As he starts to experience the dizzying heights and becomes totally buzzed out on the flying gig, Icarus decides to ignore the wisdom in his father’s words and pushes himself to fly higher and higher. His father cobbles together wings for them both made out of wax and feathers – as one does when one is in a pickle and is resourceful.īecause he’s wise and experienced (like lots of dads) Icarus’ father cautions Icarus to religiously follow his flight path – neither flying too high so as to melt the wax, or too low so as to fall into the sea.Īnd like lots of young lads, Icarus dutifully agrees to his father’s face, but then goes ahead and does something completely different. ![]() In this Greek myth, Icarus follows his father in fleeing the city of Crete. When it came to fables and useful myths to demonstrate a point, the Greeks had it going on.
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