Comments

Yes, that´s something you can feel even when you are thousands kms away from Tom. Being in close touch with him the effect has to be explosive.

Posted by felix gerena at June 17, 2005 5:40 AM

The other point to Seth's posting was that Tom Peters does that for other people on purpose--do you? That's worth some serious thought. We all know people who can "suck the life out of a room," but I don't know many who can pump life into a room. I know that I try to be that kind of teacher and coworker, but I don't always succeed. It isn't as easy as it may seem--and of course, if it was then everyone would do it.

Posted by mike at June 17, 2005 5:52 AM

Tom Peters does that for other people on purpose--do you?

No - not one of my core strengths - I think you either have it or you don't - I don't think this can be faked or turned on for show. If you don't have it employ someone who does!

What do people think? a skill that can be learned?

Posted by PaulH at June 17, 2005 6:16 AM

I figure almost anything can be learned (to an extent), but I wonder if we need to waste the time trying to become better at something that some people are OBVIOUSLY naturally good at. If it comes naturally, then we need to nuture it and become the best at it we can be. If it doesn't come naturally, it seems counter-productive to focus on a weakness and attempt to turn it into a strength.

That being said, I admit to keeping a copy of Re-Imagine! near my desk for occasional thumbing-through. It's a nice energy boost... good to get a shot of urgency every once in awhile.

Posted by Joshua Blankenship at June 17, 2005 10:05 AM

I've seen leadership courses and seminars that do their best to teach people how to "bring energy" to a room and "inspire" an audience, but it almost always seems like the results are forced. Having been in a room with Tom before, I can tell you there is a very natural energy he brings where ever he is. At 8:30 in the morning it suddenly felt like I was on my third triple latte with an extra espresso shot. I don't believe you can teach that kind of thing.

Posted by Andrew Hayden at June 17, 2005 10:36 AM

I've seen people try to approximate Tom's passion. If it's faked, it comes off as a really bad chearleader impression. Lump this in with all the other things we look for: leadership ability, writing skill, design skill, etc. You can practice, practice, practice. You'll get better, but only the naturals will truly shine. I'd recommend this: find your own way. If you know you don't naturally inspire people as Tom does, take a lower-key approach, or a silly one, or whatever truly reflects your self. Sincerity always shines.

Posted by cathy at June 17, 2005 10:37 AM

Cathy,

I think you mean "Authenticity always shines." Careful, sincerity can still be misled.

Posted by Dustin at June 17, 2005 10:43 AM

I think its meant that the "sun always shines".

Seems like it here in Santa Fe anyway ... :>}

Posted by Sean at June 17, 2005 12:55 PM

Always be yourself ... but watch, listen and learn from truly great people - Tom is one of them!

Tom has passion that I can feel from across the Atlantic.

Posted by Trevor Gay at June 17, 2005 2:53 PM

Actually, Dustin, I don't think authenticity always shines. I've met plenty of people who had all the right credentials and were also remarkably insincere characters. If I had to choose, I'd prefer a sincere high school drop-out over an insincere but authentic PhD anyday.

Posted by Noel Guinane at June 17, 2005 4:33 PM

What was that George Burns said about sincerity? Something like once you could fake that everything else was easy, I think.

Joshua--you are probably spot on. The new leadership thinking is that we shouldn't try so hard to improve those areas we are weak in, because then the best we can become is average in all areas. Instead, we should try to find our real strengths (through a Myers-Briggs test or some such), and work those upward to become truly great.

Posted by Mike at June 21, 2005 5:32 PM

Hi Mike

hope you have seen my response to your great comment on my Simplicity Blog - look forward to hearing from you

Trevor

Posted by Trevor GayTrevor Gay at June 23, 2005 3:39 AM

Cathy,

Seth is absolutely right! Tom is indeed an instant energizer....for me, he has been a virtual energizer! I personally feel Tom has inspired me a lot (virtually) thro' this lovely & informative website which is totally invaluable.....in terms of information content, news, views, ideas, blogs et al....

Kudos to Tom & his team.....am sure i'd be a DURACELL in perpetuity!

Posted by K.Sriram at June 25, 2005 9:41 AM