11.17 I have worked with just 2 leaders in 40 years

In over 40 years in the business world only two leaders with whom I have worked closely have really, truly impressed me. Only two have been so very different and very much better, measured however you like from the rest.

During this short conversation, with a lot we can explore further soon, Rebecca Norton quizzes me on this rather poor leadership return from so many years in contact with people in the role, and yet not getting near my 'big two'.

As ever, this learning conversation prompted insights and thoughts through interactive reflection and articulation way beyond any solo thinking can get near. I found myself suggesting that the driving force that my two did so well was that they led 'in context', meaning that although both had joined an organisation in a familiar sector, they both, either intuitively or consciously stopped themselves simply transplanting past successful ideas and actions into a new situation.

It's so easy to treat any new role as a template, to do what I feel football managers do so often (sometimes not for long before being found out), and disrespectfully drop into a role, maybe with some familiar faces in tow, and expect the past results in a very different present.

This was truly powerful learning for me, I wonder if it prompts any thoughts?