Hard and Soft: Apex Skill
Did you know that there is a substance, Lonsdaleite, that is harder than Diamond?
Yep.
Diamonds have been surpassed by an elusive graphite-based crystal called Lonsdaleite.
According to geologyin.com it is ‘an allotrope of carbon, like diamond and graphite, with a hexagonal crystal structure. Unlike diamond, which has a cubic crystal structure, Lonsdaleite carbon atoms are arranged in a hexagonal lattice. This difference in crystal structure gives Lonsdaleite some unique properties, such as a higher hardness and a lower density than diamond.’
Here is the catch…
‘Lonsdaleite is extremely rare and is only found in trace amounts in some meteorites. It is formed when graphite, a common form of carbon found in meteorites, is subjected to the immense pressure and heat of a meteorite impact.’
The two concepts that provoke my thoughts are harder and rare.
The metaphor applies to Influential Leadership being an Apex Skill, the ‘hardest’ of all skills, and the much bandied about idea that it is a ‘soft skill’.
If you glance through the infographic below you will see two typical lists of so-called soft skills.
Just about every such list includes leadership, and some of the other skills that are almost impossible to find anywhere—in homes, schools, teams, businesses, communities and governments.
Search for these in your world:
- Personal responsibility.
- Problem solving.
- Work ethic.
- Curiosity.
Soft skills are the hardest to find because they are the hardest to do.
Influential Leadership comprises an Apex Skillset.
It includes a raft of these so-called soft skills that are essential to improving every facet of our lives.
The technically adept accountant, musician, sports person, parent, teacher, engineer, manager or politician is simply another cog in the machine if they function without Apex Skills.
If you are not yet convinced, just look around your spaces…
Do not fall for the argument that technical skills make the world a better place.
They might make some people’s lives easier, but not better. And, they tend to inoculate us against the real human issues that we all face.
We need great engineers and scientists, amazing sports people and entertainers, but more than anything else we need proper leadership!
Being Apex Skilled is hard, but it need not be rare.
Regards,
Colin @ Karoo
We Activate Leadership!
Leadership Weekly Note: 0824.190224
e: colind@karoo.world
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