Leadership 7th Edition by Andrew DuBrin, Ann Fisher, Andrew DuBrin

Exercise 4

Ten managers representing ten different organizations gathered at a resort in Aspen, Colorado, during late summer. The purpose was a three-day leadership development seminar, with Virginia Abrazzo as the seminar leader. For two-and-one-half days, the group engaged in a variety of activities, including lectures about strategic leadership, problemsolving groups, and scavenger hunting. The group also dined together and went on nature hikes in the mountains.
As the group gathered for its final leadershipdevelopment session, Abrazzo instructed the group, "Here we are for the grand finale. All of you have been working together, and most likely observing each other, since you arrived here two-and-one-half days ago. You are now going to experience something that could change your life, as well as make you a better leader.
"Every manager in this room is going to receive candid feedback from the nine other managers who have worked with you at our leadership development seminar. We begin by placing one of you in the center of a circle, or the hot seat. Each of the other nine participants, one by one, will look you in the eye and give you feedback about you, as a person and as a leader. After you have received your feedback from the nine other participants, you will be given a few minutes to respond."
Loads of nervous laughter arose from the group. One of the participants, Gary, said, "What's going on here? How is this ridiculous exercise going to help me get a better return on investment for our stockholders?"
Virginia replied, "Gary, you are being too defensive. Let's give this a try. You'll see the value later." Next, Virginia smiled and said, "Who would like to go first?" Stan, an operations head from an officebuilding construction company, said, "I feel suicidal today, so I'll go first." Stan's feedback proceeded as follows:
Marilyn: Stan, I think you are a nice guy. I would like to have a beer with you. But I think you try too hard to be liked. Ease up a bit on your likeableness.
Bud: Stan, I don't think you are as nice as you appear on the surface. It's a little bit of a façade. When you get serious, you are a determined tiger. I think the combo makes you a really effective leader. Derek: Hey, Stan, I noticed that you look a little nervous when you are under pressure. Like right now. If you could control your nervous tics, you would be a better leader. Look, you are scratching your face right now.
Sara: Stan, I think you really have it as a leader. I notice that you can talk financials with the best of us. Yet at the same time you are likeable and approachable. I'm going to give you a gold star and a hug.
Gerry: You didn't make much of an impression on me, either good or bad, Stan. And that could be a problem. A leader should stand out. You need to have a stronger presence.
Bill: Stan, I notice that you are hesitant to criticize, even when you know the other person is wrong. Remember the other day when Marilyn had the wackiest idea about downsizing I ever heard? I could tell from your face that you disagreed with her strongly, yet you just smiled.
Lori: Don't let all this negativity get you down, Stan. You are a straight shooter with lots of potential. I think you just need to tweak your being firm with people a little. You could be just a little more assertive.
Hugh: You look pretty good to me as a leader. But can't you change your hairdo? The way you style your hair makes you look like Donald Trump. Are you imitating The Donald because you are in the building development business? [Burst of laughter from the group.]
Nancy: I find it interesting that another man would be so concerned about your hairstyle, Stan. I think you have loads of leadership qualities. Yet, I think you need to improve a little on how comfortably you feel working with woman as equals. I noticed a little sexist behavior, like pulling out the chair for me when I entered the conference room.
Stan: Thanks for all the feedback. Maybe I felt suicidal for a good reason. But seriously, I have learned a lot that will help me. I recognize that I also have a lot to work on to develop further as a leader. Stan left the hot seat with a smile. Attention then shifted to giving feedback to the other nine participants.
If you were Virginia, the seminar leader, would you have reacted to Hugh's feedback about Stan's hairstyle? Why or why not?