Jerry Seinfeld, co-creator of what TV Guide called “the greatest television show of all time”, hosted a hilarious and nostalgic Reddit AMA last year.
Not only is it an entertaining read, but we learn a lot about how he thinks, works and treats people.
What does Seinfeld know about leadership you might be missing?
Admit when you don’t know the answer.
How great is this? In the first two minutes, Seinfeld is already mixing it up with the redditors about how reddit got its name.
He’s open, honest and transparent from the very beginning.
He didn’t know something. So…he asked.
Are you this transparent with your team or is it hard to admit you don’t have all the answers?
Consider this study examining leaders who’re more critical of their own leadership compared with their employees.
Why does this study ring true?
Because everyone has strengths and weaknesses, everyone makes mistakes and no one has all of the answers.
If everyone on your team knows this, yet you can’t admit you don’t have all of the answers, guess who loses credibility?
Truth Beats Inauthentic Perfectionism Every Time.
The starting point for exceptional leadership is often as simple as having real conversations with your team.
Which choice do you think breeds a more trusting environment: A 60-second hallway coaching conversation, or letting a disagreement or miscommunication fester until the next staff meeting?
Jerry knows authentic truth beats playing perfectionist games. Those games are phony and, if you play them, your people see right through it.
You may never achieve Jerry Seinfeld’s financial success (his net worth is $800 million), but you can foster an open and honest workplace with your team.
You’re not too busy for this. You’re not too important for this. In fact, if you have even one person directly reporting to you, it’s part of your job.
Take the work seriously. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
How did one TV show achieve so much success so consistently?
Seinfeld touches on his intentional approach to work saying, “comedy is no joke.” This insight (even his insights make you smile) highlights his commitment to preparation, continuous improvement and good old-fashioned hard work.
Yet, Jerry Seinfeld, one of the world’s top comedians, doesn’t take himself too seriously.
There’s a huge difference here.
Remember David Schwimmer’s portrayal of the insecure, erratic Herbert Sobel in Band of Brothers? Here’s a 2:00 minute taste of that anti-leadership example if you’ve forgotten.
Ugh.
The self-absorbed leader drains everybody. Somehow, they didn’t get the memo it’s not all about them.
How can one of the most creative and successful people on the planet treat his craft so fastidiously, yet treat people with such graciousness?
Simple.
He understands the big difference between how we approach our work and how we treat people.
I lost track of how many times Seinfeld laughed at himself and found humor in a situation or a predicament during the AMA. He knew everyone on his hit show was working incredibly hard to deliver the best half-hour of comedy possible every week.
Yet, sometimes (drum roll) things don’t go as planned.
At this point, some leaders reach for the trusty ol’ Finger Pointin’ Tool Kit.
Others may deploy the handy troika: deflect, dodge and hide.
The mature leader, however, helps work to fix the problem, refocus the team and continue moving towards the goal.
You get to make this choice daily: the Sobel way or the Seinfeld way?
(Btw, if you’re still debating this one, your employee’s resumes are updated, polished and whizzing around the internet at warp speed.)
Take time for people, especially those who can’t return the favor.
One redditor named Travis had a unique experience growing up in LA. His mother was the boom operator at Stage 9 in Studio City, CA, where they filmed “Seinfeld.” What an adventure playground!
The young fan stood off camera after school watching closely with nothing to offer but an awe-struck smile and a watchful eye. On stage stood a comedy giant with a #1 TV show pulled in a dozen different directions every day.
Who could possibly have time for this kid?
Jerry Seinfeld. That’s who.
At the time, car fanatics were anticipating the arrival of the new Porsche Boxster. The sports car hadn’t even launched in the U.S., but Jerry had landed the very first one. Jerry told Travis he’d be the first person he took for a spin in his new ride. Sure enough, Jerry followed through.
Years later Travis still fondly recalls the comedian’s kindness. Why?
Jerry made time for this young man, and he kept his promise.
Here’s a photo of Travis from the AMA and the famous comedian going for a ride in the new coupe. Yep—that’s about as cool as it gets.
Grow The Size Of The Pie
Finally, compare Jerry’s growth mindset to the fixed mindset leader who kisses up and punches down.
Growth mindset leaders are focused on increasing the results and opportunity of an experience for everyone.
Fixed mindset leaders waste time, talent and energy in a zero sum “Did I get mine today?” neverending sadness loop. They may feel like they’re winning, but the wake of their destruction is far and wide.
If Jerry Seinfeld makes time to do the right thing, how petty does that banal middle manager look when he or she “can’t be bothered”? Yeah, pretty meh…
As Maya Angelou said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Remember:
• Successful leaders aren’t afraid to say they don’t have all of the answers.
• Successful leaders aren’t consumed with “busyness” and looking important. Instead, they know when to exhale, when to laugh and the difference between what’s truly important and what’s not.
• Successful leaders treat everyone—from VIPs to interns—with courtesy and respect.
If this post helped enlighten your perspective on work, life or leadership, please drop me a line at hello@strengthslauncher.com.
Would love to hear your thoughts or just your favorite line from one of the most influential shows of all time.
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