Staggeringly unlikely scenario 1: a publisher offers me a fortune for the title of a new self-help book. I’d call it: ‘Two Magic Words’.*
OK, so what words?
1. Confidence
I’m not sure there’s anything more important. Obviously kindness, sensitivity and emotional intelligence are wonderful qualities. But, when it comes to getting ahead, confidence – specifically self-confidence – trumps them all.
I’ve worked with many smart people and others who can barely tie their own shoelaces. If the latter display sufficient confidence in their abilities, they’ll leapfrog the geniuses every time.
Of course, there’s a fine balance between confidence and arrogance. And then there’s misplaced confidence. A leading CEO once told me how, on visiting his US warehouse, he was so bowled away by the assertiveness of the workforce that he felt any should be running the business instead of him.
So confidence has to be managed effectively. And combined with…
2. Communication
Guess I would say that, but I don’t think the power of communication can be understated – in print, digital or verbally.
Many of the most impressive people I’ve worked with can convey their big ideas at any time in any environment. For some it’s natural. For others it’s more challenging. But it’s a skill anyone, with practice, can deploy.
As long as the message is simple – or at least feels like it is. Anything too long or convoluted and we switch off.
Staggeringly unlikely scenario 2: a serving prime minister appoints me Secretary of State for Education† and asks me to create a new, compulsory school subject. So here it is: Dance.
Why? Dance teaches confidence and communication. If introduced early enough it could become ingrained in children’s lives before any hint of self-consciousness kicks in. I think they already do a version of this in Sweden – which is probably how ABBA came to be.**
Anyway, why I am sharing what seems like a series of fever dreams? Because I’m learning the extent to which startup founders rely on those two magic words.
If you don’t have the confidence in your own concept, you can be sure no one else does. If you do, not only may it bring people with you. It’ll also help you through the eye rolls, intakes of breath, teeth clicks or outright rejections you’ll receive on any given day.
If you can’t communicate your vision, you may as well get your coat. If you can, you’ve got a chance to grab people’s attention and make that vision a reality.
And, if all else fails, I bet you look good on the dancefloor.
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*Just checked Amazon and there are ‘Three Magic Words’ and ‘Magic Words’ books so there’s a gap in the market – and even room for a ‘One Magic Word’ prequel.
†Not an ambition, just a weird thought. Which, given the unsuitability of the last few incumbents, seems oddly more plausible than scenario 1.
**Or probably not.
