The Outward Mindset, 2nd Edition

15. SHRINK DISTINCTIONS

One of the ways the leader/led distinction we discussed in chapter 14 shows up is through what we call trappings of difference—that is, outward manifestations of status that only the preferred can enjoy. When our mindsets are inward, we see no problem with such distinctions; they likely seem well deserved. In contrast, when our mindsets are outward, we see that others matter like we ourselves matter. We possess the characteristic that Mark Ballif and Paul Hubbard, whom we discussed in chapter 1, identified from their experience to be the most important leadership essential: humility. We understand that any practice or policy that communicates to others that they don’t really matter like we do can end up creating barriers ...