Something’s stuck in my craw these past couple weeks. It’s something I’ve noticed for a long time and I’m just to the point where I need to rant about it.
It all stems from something I’ve noticed at a number of events over the last year or so. This growing (in my opinion) trend where speakers at an event come in, do their thing, and ditch the event.
You know what I’m talking about.
These people who are too smart to think they couldn’t learn a thing or two from anyone else at an event or conference.
These people who are way too busy to sit in an audience and listen to someone else talk about their area of passion or expertise (God forbid anyone else steal the spotlight).
These people who are basically saying, “I’m smart and I have no need to be here other than the fact that I want to tell you how smart I am.”
Well, I’m fed up. I’ve had enough.
Now, let me be clear: This certainly isn’t an across-the-board opinion. Some folks have other commitments after a speaking engagement with families and busy schedules and all. I get it. Me, too. In fact, we’re probably talking about a smaller group of speakers than the larger group who does care, wants to make new connections and sits in on other presentations.
But funny, this trend seems to carry over to the online world, too. These speakers typically have blogs, too. Do we see them commenting and sharing other people’s posts? Not as a rule (with notable exceptions like Jason Falls and Todd Defren).
I’m not sure this post is going to do any good. But, therapeutically, I needed to get this off my chest.
Unfortunately, I don’t feel any better.
But, the question I keep asking myself is this: Can great leaders be followers, too? What do you think?
Note: Photo courtesy of djfoobarnatt via FlickR Creative Commons
Arik – Very powerful and says a lot to me about folks who just walk out after their 15 minutes in the spotlight. When people think that they can’t learn anything else and their word is gospel, the Kool-Aid starts to go stale. No one is an expert in social media, sure some folks are at the top of the game, but with a medium that changes this fast, no one can be the all-knowing Swami.
One of the reasons that I like this space is that you can learn from anyone at any given time. Don’t believe me, check out your all friends list on your 3rd party application. You will find at least 10 interesting nuggets each day – I do.
Think outside the box that packages the overinflated egos that the social web creates.
Hey Arik – long time no talk. Maybe I can shed some light on this dynamic as someone who speaks quite a bit, and often fits the profile you’re describing. For me, speaking is a huge rush, something that really gets the adrenaline flowing. When I first started, I couldn’t go anywhere near the venue or audience before I took the stage out of sheer nervousness. Since then I’ve learned to step in prior to my slot, first to get a feel for the audience, and second to hear the initial speakers so I can build on what they’re saying. However, I have to admit, I typically don’t spend a lot of time at event listening to the other speakers, but it’s not because I think I’m too smart, and usually not because I’m too busy. It’s mainly because beforehand, my anticipation is so great, I really can’t take in anything or retain it. And after, there’s a huge release, and again, I’m not in the best shape for listening.
Just thought I’d offer another potential scenario. To your larger point, leaders should absolutely be open to new and differing ideas. The best leaders are constantly learning. For me, I learn best at conferences when I’m not speaking, so I can focus on the content, not on – what for me is – my all consuming speaking responsibility.
Nice post…
Loved this post. I think Chris’ post makes sense in explaining some of this dynamic. But it doesn’t explain why some of these folks never comment online, as you note: “These speakers typically have blogs, too. Do we see them commenting and sharing other people’s posts? Not as a rule…
You know what’s awesome about this post? Reminded me that I saw David Meerman Scott watch Brian Solis’ presentation at the Vocus User Conference this spring — and recall thinking that was pretty cool. Both are thought leaders, both were key note speakers at different times at the event, but yet here was one thought leader listening to another. Like I once heard Brian say — not an exact quote — we are forever students of new media.
Thanks for sharing, Frank. That is a cool story–and exactly what I’m talking about. I’m glad to hear folks like David and Brian are practicing what they preach out there.
Thanks for sharing your perspective, Chris. I hadn’t thought of that angle, but like I said in my post, this wasn’t meant to be a blanket statement. And, I think your rationale definitely falls in that “other” category. What I’m talking about is much different.
I can definitely understand the fact that if you’re presenting, it’s tough to go to other sessions as you’re trying to focus. Now that I think about it, I’ve fallen into that camp a few times. But, I will say that after I present I always make a point to hit a few other sessions (again, if I have time) and meet some new people or soak up a few new ideas. After all, isn’t that the point?
I love Frank’s note above: We are forever students…
I think you’ve touched a highly sensitive part about key opinion leaders. I believe real ones never stop their hunger for learning and they realize the importance of learning from their followers.