Thought Leadership

What can you as a modern thought leader learn from the Gothic novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray?

Leaders should consider the unintended, negative consequences of “faking it on the facade.” (Image from the1945 film, The Picture of Dorian Gray)

It’s been decades since I taught this work by Oscar Wilde, but I remember the strong impact it had on students when they first read it. As I’m currently covering “gray matters” in this blog (seethe postings Gray Matters Part 1 and Part 2), I thought I’d look at how the 19th century book might apply to the business world today.

First, a reminder of the story’s plot: To say that the eponymous character Dorian Gray was a vain man is an understatement. Extreme vanity drove him to sell his soul so that a portrait painted of him would grow old instead of himself. Unfortunately, not only did Dorian continue to age in the painting, his portrait also grew more hideous with each ugly thought, word and deed he committed in real life.

The morals of the story are clear. For example, “be careful what you wish for,” “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” or “what we do has an impact on who we are.”

But the key point I’d like to make here is that Dorian Gray on the outside did not mirror who he was on the inside. To be an authentic, respected thought leader, what’s outside has to reflect who you truly are.

Does your outside match what’s on the inside? Are you trying to fake it on the façade? Are you perceived as a “genuine” thought leader? Ask, assess, then act. We’re here to help.

See related posts:
Gray Matters Part 2: Engage your organization’s emerging, next-generation leadersGray Matters Part 1: Assessing executive career opportunities after age 50

Download links for Project Gutenberg ebooks: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

See related post: Gray Matters, Part 2: Engage your organization’s emerging, next-generation leaders

Some bad news and some good news for over-50 workers who are hitting the proverbial ”gray ceiling” in their careers but are unwilling to “ride quietly into the sunset.”

The bad news is statistical, as recently reported in a survey by ExecuNet and captured in the infographic shown below. Their survey reported that 63 percent of search firms say it’s harder to place a 50+ candidate than a younger one, compared with only 52 percent in 2010. Continue Reading…

During Singapore International Water Week, two dozen of the world’s water leaders took part in the second Global Water Leaders Group, sponsored by Global Water Intelligence (GWI) magazine.

The goal of drawing together these thought leaders went beyond networking, though that was a positive side effect of the event. Discussing how best to promote and communicate the value of water was the main focus of the breakfast meeting.

Thought leaders from different regions represented a wide range of viewpoints – from utility leaders, government officials, trade association partners, industrial clients and consultants.

The first dinner dialogue was held at GWI’s Global Water Summit in Rome in April; and more than 30 water leaders attended that session, which also focused on the value of the invaluable resource, water.

Results from these roundtable sessions, as well as upcoming dialogues in the series, will be reported at the next Singapore International Water Week.

Are you, too, focused on promoting the value of water within your own company? Ask, assess, then act. We’re here to help!

In the face of global urbanisation and climate challenges, the upcoming Singapore International Water Week 2012 (SIWW) will reinforce the pressing need for thought leaders to unite in their efforts to integrate sustainable water management strategies into the urban planning process.

Focusing on the theme “Water Solutions for Liveable and Sustainable Cities,” SIWW will provide the platform to address these challenges and explore opportunities in the integration of water solutions and urban planning in cities around the world.

Held from 1-5 July in conjunction with the 3rd World Cities Summit and the inaugural CleanEnviro Singapore, SIWW will offer delegates, trade visitors and exhibitors a wide range of possibilities to hear industry thought leaders promote practical and sustainable water solutions. The events will allow participants to tap into a vast network of public and private sector players in urban solutions.

I’ll be there to report on what global water leaders and practitioners from the public and private sectors are debating and to participate in water dialogues, network with key industry players and see leading-edge technologies and best practices.

If you are planning to attend this event, contact me and we can have a coffee and share what we’ve heard from the world’s thought leaders on water and wastewater.