Exploring Leadership: Expectation and Surprise

It can be such fun meeting someone for the first time — someone about whom I have no preconceived notions or inside information. Every expression, nuance, inflection, or shared story is unexpected, new, filled with surprise. Never mind what I expected: Expectation can mask an incoming surprise with even the tiniest tidbit of bias. It’s the surprises that reveal the softer side of even the crustiest of curmudgeons. The same effect of surprise can apply to places, events, and adventures, too, of course. Mysteries of life around the bend beckon — eager to be observed, acknowledged, shared.

I’ve had the amazing experience of identifying and interviewing a dynamic network of leaders — retiring, established, and emerging — this past year as part of our editorial research process. Any expectations I had when we began the program were soon dismissed. One surprise followed another with each interview. We noted their similarities, differences, passions, concerns, perspectives, motivations, eagerness to collaborate, and — oh yes — the surprises. Those insightful and often humorous sidebars in otherwise formal conversations allow a glimpse into what drives these smart and dynamic leaders. Dreams, visions, and plans can be revealed along with a sense of personality.

As the leadership tapestry began to take shape in the community fabric, the common threads showed a clear direction: an evolving healthy future for the Grand Valley and Western Colorado built on a strong past and present. I am so looking forward to watching how the tapestry takes shape as these leaders weave their own threads into the community fabric. Very exciting indeed.