LEADERSHIP: SPREZZATURA – DO YOU HAVE IT?

Published: 2010-06-20   please add a comment below

I quoted Seth Godin recently and would like to again. He’s a world-famous blogger and, as quite often, the following is quirky. “Sprezzatura … is Italian for being able to do your craft without a lot of visible effort. It’s a combination of élan and grace and class … the opposite of loud grunts while you play tennis or a lot of whining and fuss when you help out a customer*.” As a leader, do you have sprezzatura? Or do you draw attention to yourself?

Godin’s comments made me reflect on my own behaviour and some of the noisy behaviour I’ve observed from insecure leaders over the years. What would colleagues say about your tendency to the following six characteristics?

1. Needing to be noticed: seeking media coverage regardless of your organisation’s need for it; attending too many dinners and conferences; laughing loudly so people notice you; wearing distinctive dress (I’m guilty of that one)?
2. Not admitting to being wrong: never owning up to your errors or showing you’ve made a wrong assumption or judgement – in other words, living by the old joke. Rule #1: the boss is never wrong. Rule #2: if the boss is wrong, see Rule #1.
3. Making impetuous decisions: wanting to show how smart, savvy and decisive you are – without seeking sufficient input and/or bringing your people along on the issue.
4. Indulging in and advertising your conspicuous consumption: so that you’re a fixture in the social pages and always at the ritzy events. Even when times are tough and there is pressure on the staff to cut costs, you’re reported as buying a Porsche.
5. Approaching everything with self-interest: in terms of what does this situation do for my standing, how will the media report it, how can I maximise my takeaway? Or, it’s only a good deal if I’m CEO of the merged group.
6. Speaking up mostly for what’s politically correct: while failing to argue publicly for your industry and the free enterprise system, of which your business is part.

Most of us like recognition. However, let’s earn it for what we deliver, not public posturing. Let’s be like one of those Hollywood rarities such as Meryl Streep, who are known for great acting, not great partying. Equally, we all duck for cover at times. But, let’s try to stand for what’s important – as great leaders like Churchill have done. Taking flak short-term for what’s right long-term. Leadership is a high calling as noble as any other, not an afternoon’s fun-fair beauty parade.

* http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2010/03/sprezzatura.html

Dr. Timothy Pascoe AM
PhD (Cambridge), MBA (Harvard), BE & BEc (Adelaide)
Creator, V|E|C|T|O|R Leadership^®