American Idol reminds us that being liked might be the BEST way to become CEO
I don’t watch American Idol. And from what I’ve seen on the Facebook threads and Twitter streams of friends and followers I am probably even less inclined to ever watch it.
From what I gather American Idol has become a Popularity Contest, not a Talent Contest. Even USA Today has a story about it this morning and how a guy was finally booted off the show. This should surprise anyone???? You’re letting the audience decide who stays; an audience of screaming young girls. Hello! Am I the only one getting this? I thought the judges who have/had musical talent (yes, people are still questioning Paula) were the experts?
Now granted to make it to the finals you need to have some talent; so I guess those who watch it can sit back and at least be entertained. The “real” winner may not emerge, but the show should be good. And who knows, maybe that winner will rise to the occasion when the final record deal is cut? Or maybe like some of the other contestants they will see the writing on the wall and get out of the Idol contract and write their own deal?
But there is a parallel here to organizations and the process taken to choose people to advance. Often times leaders pick the Golden Child, the Flavor of the Month, or the New Wind to be the future of the company. People are chosen not necessarily for skill set, but because they are liked. While that may make sense for some, it can easily destroy employee morale and the employee experience for those who feel they are giving their life to an organization. But maybe there is some logic here…….
After all you can teach people skill sets; it is much harder to teach them how to have a pleasant personality, not backstab, not be cut-throat, and be nice.
