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I. You. We.

I

n leadership, what we see is not necessarily what we get, and what we get is not necessarily what we see.

We think we know leadership when we see it. But, if we were to evaluate our experiences more deeply, to think more critically, most of us would be more likely to agree with a slightly different statement: “I know leadership when I feel it.” There is a useful 3-dimensional framework for how we can better understand, engage with, and lead in our businesses.

Dimension 1
Direct experience – my (our individual) experience of a relationship, image, event, circumstance, etc. This is the “I” dimension.  We each have an “I” dimension from our own lives we bring to the organization.  Our personal stories and experiences.

Dimension 2
Divergent perspectives – others’ experiences of a relationship, image, event, circumstance, etc. The “you” dimension (really hearing others).  This dimension takes time to learn - the deep understanding of one another that the experiences others (you) bring.  In the rush of any given week of a startup, we can forget to keep working on this.  But really hearing one another is just as important as listing to our customer - perhaps more so.

Dimension 3
Determining the implications: The interactions between and implications of dimensions 1 and 2. The “we” dimension (a unifying dimension).  This is active work.  It involves 2 or more of us understanding one another’s perspectives - then looking for the “best opportunity” that leverages our collective knowledge and wisdom to make our company and our products better.

So, leadership starts with the individual - within the individual - as a process of relating to the world. But if we are to lead with purpose; if we are to impact others positively, we must understand, build and rebuild the connections that link us to others. Transforming I's and You's into "We's."

About Dr. Michael Burcham

Michael is an executive coach, entrepreneur, investor, and strategist with 30 years of experience leading investor-backed, high-growth organizations.

“I built and sold a $40M company with Dr. Burcham as my mentor. This is the thing: if you EVER get the opportunity to learn from this man, from that moment forward, you’ll list him as one of the most influential people in your life, even if you live to be 90. And, you’ll know how lucky you were to have that opportunity and you’ll immediately say YES to any chance to be in his presence again—his wisdom is that impactful.”

Sherry Stewart Deutschmann

Former CEO, Letter Logic

“If you are looking for a trusted mentor and coach for yourself or your leadership team, I highly recommend Michael Burcham. He has worked with me as my executive coach for well over a decade now. Our conversations and his feedback have helped me sharpen my critical thinking skills. He’s a trusted advisor that I can confidentially speak with about any issue—and I know I’ll get valued feedback. I highly recommend him.”

Ryan McGrath

CEO, Asset Living

“Dr. Burcham’s depth and breadth of experience makes even the most ADD entrepreneurial leader sit up and take notes! His coaching skills bring out the ‘best you’ possible. He selflessly shares the good, the bad, and the ugly—leaving you with an authentic and moving experience sure to spur action and professional growth!”

Julie Lenzer

Director, U.S. Department of Commerce

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