“The first follower is what transforms a lone nut into a leader.” – Derek Sivers
I have a confession: I’m pretty much addicted to TED Talks. I find them inspiring…mostly because I respect the level of insight, information and intelligence the presenters share in their allotted 18 minutes. Here’s what usually happens, though: I never can watch just one. I can never resist the temptation to watch another…and another…and sometimes, another.
The problem is that, like YouTube, TED.com always has a suggestion for what to watch next based on what you’re watching now. That’s how I ended up seeing the two geniuses above speak, one after the other, and where I garnered the two quotes above.
You might read those quotes and think they’re totally obvious; if so, you’re absolutely correct. Move to the head of the class. Here’s the thing, though: they’re totally obvious, but how many people are actually doing it?
I am ready! Because I’m tired of leaving my brain at home when I go to work because I know I won’t be needing it.
Cool beans, Jackie!
I have watched many TED.com videos and I believe they skew the truth. Without the leader there would be no movement. If the first follower wasn’t there, then there would be another first follower. I was introduced to TED about 2 years ago and no matter what video I watch I can find some discrepancy in what the speaker is talking about. Although it is hard to find someone that will step up and point the discrepancies out. Just remember that TED was created by Corporatists and funded by Corporatists. I wouldn’t trust any corporatist farther than I can throw his lobbyist.
Hmmm…not sure if it would be possible for me to disagree with you more, Michael.
First, I’m big on specifics. Broad, sweeping generalities about how there are discrepancies in every TED Talk don’t cut it with me. That would be like me saying that every “law of attraction” teacher speaks in circles; it’s not a true statement just because some of them do. If you have some particular points you’d like to discuss, let’s do so.
In fact, let’s start with your comment about the first follower and that, if he didn’t show up, another first follower would, therefore first followers matter less than the leader. Here’s a thought: that other first follower who shows up is still a first follower! What if no first follower showed up? Would the leader still be a leader? I don’t think so.
Second, please clarify what you mean by “Corporatist”? Do you mean people who own corporations? As far as I can tell, TED was created and is supported by wildly successful entrepreneurs. Having lobbyists who protect them from the government wolves howling at their doors for a piece of the action doesn’t make them evil; it makes them smart. The fact that they need lobbyists is what we should be pissed off about.
Looking forward to your response!
Jerry
I looked up “totally obvious” in the dictionary and it does not mean “hard”, however that must be the implied definition. Whether it’s opening the door for someone, saying thank you, sending a handwritten greeting card after meeting a new contact, or asking for the sale after spending 30 minutes doing a presentation “totally obvious” just seems to fly out the window.
Step into the realm of the 1% and consistently do the “totally obvious” to see your success SOAR!
So true, Todd! If we spent more time doing the “totally obvious”, we really would be able to soar!
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I’ve spent most of my life not doing what was ‘totally obvious’ to me because I’d been brainwashed into believing that’s not how business gets done.
But it is; it’s the only way business gets done, if I’m doing it
Agreed, Joel. We often drive right past “totally obvious” (AKA “simple”) on the way to the really complex thing that doesn’t work. Keep doing the “totally obvious”, learn to keep the choir on fire, and the rest will fall into place.
Thanks for sharing!
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