keronthings.blogg.se - Story of icarus

This can happen at an organisational, team and individual level.

Focusing exclusively on the giddy heights of growth, without pausing to consolidate, recuperate and reflect.

Hogging the limelight and not giving credit to others when it’s due.

You often see this in leaders who are great at managing up, but not so hot on managing down – leading their own team.

Focusing more on the perception of success, rather than the attainment of true positive outcomes.

Focusing way more on the “I” and not on the “we”. Letting our successes go to our head and not remaining humble.Exhibiting Icarus-like behaviour in leadership might look like the following: We only need to take a peek at the behaviour of certain world leaders at the moment to see this in action. But it’s altogether another thing when we let our ego and personal ambitions override what leadership is all about – which is lifting others up. It’s smart to remain focused on your career and to celebrate and enjoy your successes along the way. It’s one thing to strive for your career goals and be the best you can be. When we become overambitious or giddy with our own ego, success and advancement, we too, can become a bit Icarus-like.ĭon’t get me wrong. Greek myths weren’t sugar-coated, that’s for sure.Īs well as for teenage boys who don’t listen to their parents, this Greek myth is also a cautionary tale for leaders. And what do you know? Icarus flies too close to the sun, the wax melts, his feathers fall off his body and Icarus falls into the sea. Anyone with teenage boys can probably relate at this point. As he starts to experience the dizzying heights and becomes totally buzzed out on the flying gig, Icarus decides to ignore the wisdom in his father’s words and pushes himself to fly higher and higher. His father cobbles together wings for them both made out of wax and feathers – as one does when one is in a pickle and is resourceful.īecause he’s wise and experienced (like lots of dads) Icarus’ father cautions Icarus to religiously follow his flight path – neither flying too high so as to melt the wax, or too low so as to fall into the sea.Īnd like lots of young lads, Icarus dutifully agrees to his father’s face, but then goes ahead and does something completely different. In this Greek myth, Icarus follows his father in fleeing the city of Crete. When it came to fables and useful myths to demonstrate a point, the Greeks had it going on.