1. Different is intriguing.
When I meet with leaders from other industries, my interest is automatically peaked because different is intriguing. I find myself asking questions rather than simply evaluating executions—mostly because I can’t fully critique an industry I don’t fully understand. Think about it. When we are faced with something new, we automatically ask more questions. Curiosity begins to trust criticism.
2. Different drives innovation.
Some of my favorite innovations at Watermarke Church have come from interactions with leaders and organizations outside the church. Example: Just recently, I read a book on screenwriting. I have NO desire to ever write a movie script. I’m doing good to write a blog post.
But as I began to understand the systems and approaches to movie scripts, it generated new ideas and possible innovations for me as a communicator. I’ve already tried a few successfully. A sermon is much like a story, and the principles of great screenwriting can (and should) be applied to message writing.
3. Different isn’t that different.
Leadership principles are transferable, and seeing principles executed in nonfamiliar settings can help us see the same things in new ways. We bring fresh eyes to old lessons. Sometimes that’s all it takes for us to discover a leadership breakthrough.
I know you already read the great business books. I know you study other leaders and models in your industry. But whom can you seek to learn from outside your industry? What other industries can provide new you new insights? It might provide the breakthrough you’ve been seeking.
So from whom do you learn? What other industries have you found most intriguing? I’d love to know so I can expand my breadth, too.