On being the dumbest guy in the room.

Jeeves is a wonder.  A marvel. What a brain.
Size nine-and-a-quarter, I should say.
He eats a lot of fish.

– Bertie Wooster, in P.G. Wodehouse’s Thank You, Jeeves.

Last year I was elected to the Outdoor Industry Association Board of Directors. It was an honor and a privilege to be selected to work with such a great group of leaders.  I was also appointed to the Outdoor Foundation BOD, because of my interest in and passion for getting youth involved in the outdoors.

I’ve since attended three or four board meetings.  It is no question that I am the dumbest guy in the room.

This is not false modesty, and I admit to having more than my share of brain cells that all work in unison on a semi-regular basis.  In other words, yeah, I’m pretty smart, and I’m pretty creative.  That said, I am still the dumbest guy in the room.

I ran for the board for a few reasons, one philanthropic (I want to help our industry), and one selfish (I like to be around effective leaders). The best way to learn about being a good, nay, great executive is to surround yourself with them.

Executives.  You think Enron or Goldman Sachs.  The very word conjures up images of guys in dark suits and ruthless board room politics.  In fact, the root of executive is a person who executes, who gets things done (or facilitates them getting done).  These men and women get stuff done.  That’s why there are where they are.

So here’s what I’ve learned this week.

From Jay: You can be super effective and still be a goof.  Jay’s a senior level executive at Timberland.

From Beaver: Better to be a great person skilled at business than a great businessman. Beaver founded prAna.

From Steve: Only say something when you can improve upon the silence. Steve’s a Global Brand Manager at GoreText.

From Frank: Be serious when you have to, but other than that, laugh a lot.  Frank’s the OIA Executive Director.

From Fred: Watch the quiet ones, often they’re the deepest thinkers.  Fred’s CEO of Thule USA.

From David: Starting a business in your garage can be a great idea. Founder and owner of All Terrain.

From Bill:  Generosity is critical to going business sustainably. Bill’s the head honcho at Red Wing.

From Larry: It’s all about connecting already existing thoughts. Larry’s president and CEO of the Conservation Fund.

From Chris (staff): Persistence doesn’t mean annoying someone to death. Chris is the Executive Director of the Outdoor Foundation.

And lastly, from my friend Skip Yowell:  Authenticity is just a word used by marketing dorks unless you’re absolutely certain that you’re 100% positively authentic. Skip is the co-founder of JanSport.

—

It’s really a privilege to spend time with such powerful and effectual people. The best thing about all of them: zero ego. They don’t need it — they have all worked hard and make a difference in the world.  It’s the upward crawlers who drive everyone nuts.

Respectfully submitted,

Canoelover