Leadership Wisdom From Our Belly Buttons

Are you an “innie” or an “outie’? You know, does your belly button protrude outward or is it inwardly focused?  A recent bout of the flu knocked me out of the game for several days. After hours mindlessly surfing the net I discovered a compelling belly button statistic. 88% of us have “innies” while only 12% possess “outies?” In a DayQuil induced stupor I pondered the leadership implications of my discovery. Believe it or not, there was one! As a leader are you an “innie” or an “outie”?

The “innie” leader is motivated by a rich internal purpose and creates a company driven to achieve a compelling future.  Her vision while perhaps measured with money is grounded by a noble cause that seeks to improve the human condition. Because of her leadership the world will be a better place.  She enrolls others to join her in creating this future. Her leadership serves the vision, not herself.

The “outie” leader is basically a scorekeeper. His joy is in the accumulation and “showing off” of the symbols of his success. Multiple houses, cars, boats, planes, and other toys are simply ways to measure his worth. Constant comparison with others guarantees a permanent spot on the treadmill of accumulation. Externally, he projects an aura of executive excellence. Internally, that nagging voice of self-doubt and criticism drive him mercilessly. It is exhausting work. His leadership serves his needs not the world. He is constantly trying to “motivate” others with external rewards. It is often a Sisyphean task. 

So, take a moment to reflect. Are you an “innie” or an “outie” leader?  What would your employees say?