One of my favorite sayings around political elections is definitely “We’d all vote for the best candidate, if only he was running.”
Back when I worked in radio daily, I had an unbearable supervisor. Having won award after award, he let it go to his head. His way or the highway. Reeking of self-importance, he drove everyone in the office insane. Either you fell in line with what he thought was best or he belittled you until you didn’t care to fight anymore. He was the only hard working person in the office, and if you didn’t believe it, he’d tell you.
When our ratings came back and we had our best quarter ever, he was so proud of all the work he had done. Patting himself on the back, he looked down on everyone else. So, when he was destroyed in a staff meeting shortly thereafter, he couldn’t understand why we didn’t appreciate his work and shortly left the station for another job.
When our ratings came back the next quarter, without him, we still checked in our best set of ratings yet.
I have a photographer friend who is determined to be the most well known photographer on the face of the globe. He is underselling workshops and speaking at as many conventions as he can. He is getting his name out there with abundance. He’s been turning down actual photography work to speak about his photography.
The problem is, his photography is mediocre at best. Where he shines is the experience his studio offers. While he is fighting to show how great he is and how much he can help others, he’s killing his own studio. By no longer walking the walk, he’s become an annoying bastard that must likes to talk about how great he can make your studio. His priorities are shot, and if he’s not careful, it will kill his business.
Instead of being the best, he’s trying to show he’s the best.
These people are too concerned with being king. One day, they’ll realize being king isn’t what’s important. It’s about making a kingdom worth being king of, not making yourself king.
Today, are you too busy trying to be king or too busy building a kingdom?
Amen.
Very good thoughts Daniel, you really hit home with the “Instead of being the best, he’s trying to show he’s the best” line.
There is an incredible epidemic at the moment in which people, like you say, all want to kings of the castle. The trouble is many of these people are mediocre at best (like your friend) and are just imitating everyone else.
I say that it’s better to be a king-maker than a king. By making others kings, you build a deep valuable set of relationships: http://scottgould.me/are-you-a-king-or-a-king-maker/
Very good stuff – will weave your thoughts into a post I’m doing next week
Scott
Scott,
I think part of the problem has stemmed from the internet and social media. The playground has certainly gotten bigger. Before the internet, being king wasn’t hard. Anyone and everyone could be a king of something. Their boyscout troop, a church group, their bowling league, top regional traveling salesman.
But with the invention of the internet came such a stretch. Even 10 years ago, things were different. I won an award for photography. Regional award, nothing too important. But at that moment, just a kid, it was the best and biggest moment of my life.
Looking back at what won me that award compared to the quality of work on the internet is astounding to me. There’s always someone better than you at whatever you are choosing to do, always. The only difference is that now, you know it, see it, feel it, experience it.
People can’t convince themselves they are king anymore, so they try harder to become one. We’ve gained width, but lost depth.
That’s why I agree with being a king-maker instead of a king. You can use what you know, what you can do and help others. It’s not about what one person can do but what we all can do together.
Things–People–Life has become relational.
Looking forward to your post next week.
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