Here are two interesting leadership words that are not usually on the tip of the tongue when discussing effectiveness among CEOs – neoteny and transmogrify. Although these terms might be off your chit-chat vocabulary list, they describe two important aspects of dynamic, fresh, and impactful leadership.
Bennis and Thomas (2002) refer to these words in the context of leadership. Let’s take a look at each one separately. First, neoteny. Bennis and Thomas conducted a comparison study between successful young leaders (age 35 or younger) and effective older leaders (70+ years old). One conclusion from the study: every one of the successful older leaders possessed one, common quality of overriding importance: neoteny. This is a zoological term indicating the retention of youthful qualities by adults. Neoteny, then, is the ability of an individual leader to maintain those wonderful qualities that we often associate with youth. Many leaders in the twilight of their careers still possess the curiosity of a child – they possess this strong desire to explore and see what lies around the corner. Many experienced bosses love to play and have fun. Laughter and a rich sense of humor fill the life of the leader demonstrating neoteny. The eagerness of a novice, the fearlessness of the inexperienced, and the warmth of a humble youth can also describe an older leader that remains young at heart and fresh in his/her thinking. The high energy produced by a new challenge will always flow through the veins of an effective leader no matter how many years he/she has walked the planet.
Neoteny often shows itself in an openness to change. The leader is willing to take a risk and possesses a sense of spontaneity. There is a hunger for knowledge and an enthusiastic zeal for new ideas and different perspectives on old procedures. A leader who is characterized by neoteny strives to maintain a teachable spirit and is determined to become a life-long learner. New experiences are sought and valued. The leader is often described by others as courageous, brave, and even daring. There is an eagerness to see what the sunrise brings. Every day is an exciting adventure ready to unfold like a new chapter in an exciting novel.
The second cool leadership word is transmogrify. This powerful verb means to change or transform. Bennis and Thomas (2002) place this term in the context of adversity - “One of the key differences between leaders and nonleaders, we found is the ability of leaders to transmogrify even the negatives in their lives into something that serves them” (p. 18). Transmogrify or the noun form, transmogrification is an impressive, multisyllabic term that basically reflects the common saying, “If life gives you lemon, make lemonade.”
So often life in the leadership lane provides curve balls, unexpected emergencies, wildfires, disappointments, discouragements, potholes, barriers, barricades, fences, walls, and squeaky wheels. Transmogrification is that incredible ability to turn the ugly into the beautiful, to paint the silver lining into the thundercloud, to fill the empty cup with the cool water of hope and excitement, to laugh at the grim, and smile in the face of adversity.
An effective leader has learned the lesson of staying young. Having the mindset of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys of Neverland can be such an asset. Striving for maturity and wisdom and at the same time refusing to grow-up can add adventure to stability, increase productivity through fun and camaraderie, and extend leadership longevity with a fresh outlook and creative ideation. Combine this neoteny with the mindset of transmogrification and the curve balls of life can be knocked out of the park; the emergencies that surprise us can be transformed into fantastic opportunities for service; and the wildfires of concern can be changed into flames of enthusiasm that will permeate the entire organization.
These two leadership vocabulary words are worth putting into my dictionary for everyday use.
Bennis, W.G. & Thomas, R.J. (2002) Geeks & geezers: How era, values, and defining moments shape leaders.
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