Did you know that the smallpox virus is a possible weapon in the fight against cancer? I didn’t. And what does that have to do with leadership?
A couple of years ago I was a volunteer judge for the speaking portion of the Health Occupations Student Organization’s contest. One of the young women spoke of this smallpox – cancer connection in her speech, saying that smallpox was being tested against breast cancer. I’m certainly not a medical expert but I had never heard that and was a bit skeptical. To satisfy my curiosity, during a break I did a quick search on the subject and found that she was at least partially correct.
I enjoy these events. It’s encouraging to see young people becoming better communicators. But, when I judge these types of contests I really don’t expect to hear anything new. This particular speaker was no more than 15 or 16 years old and at that age, there normally isn’t much original research. That’s where the leadership lesson emerges.
Leaders must always be alert to information and ideas coming from where we least expect. Never discount someone because of their age or experience because you never know where the next idea will come from that will set you on a new path to success or be the solution you were looking for.
The other lesson is that leaders should follow-up to satisfy themselves that the information provided is accurate. My quick check of the facts revealed that a modified strain of the smallpox virus is being used in clinical trials to treat otherwise untreatable liver cancer. The modified virus attacks the cancer cells and increases the body’s immune system. But it is in the very early stages of consideration for breast cancer and several other viruses are being considered as well.
In this case a valuable piece of information came from a completely unexpected source. The fact that she was a little off on the details doesn’t diminish the importance and potential of the information.
There’s probably someone in your organization with a bit of information, a suggestion, or an idea that is valuable and maybe a little unexpected. Are you listening?
Bob Mason is dedicated to leadership development. He works with companies to solve problems by helping supervisors and managers become more effective leaders leading more productive teams. He is a professional speaker and author of Don’t Worry, You Can Do This: What New Supervisors and Managers Need to Know About Leadership; The Art of Not Motivating: How Leaders Can Succeed by Understanding the True Nature of Motivation; Balancing the Generations: A Leader’s Guide to the Complex, Multi-Generational, 21st Century Workplace; and Planning to Excel: Strategic Planning That Works.
A 30-year career in the U.S. Air Force exposed him to great leaders and leadership opportunities such as command of four squadrons, including the Air Force’s largest munitions squadron. He has studied leadership extensively, but more importantly has been there, working with real people, making hard decisions, and experiencing the results.
Contact Bob at Bob@BobMasonSpeaker.com or 505-453-5266
