How Do You Decide Whom To Trust To Lead? Options

[cre8pc]

Rae poses a thoughtful question in her blog. She asks, What Makes You Follow and Trust Someone in This Field?

She adds a list:

Why do you follow or trust those that you do?

- Does trust come from conversation and friendship, online or off?
- Does it come from meeting someone in person and gaining a “vibe”?
- Does it come from reading various works by the person and finding them to be in sync with your own beliefs?
- Does it come from transference (meaning that someone you follow also believes strongly in another person and the trust simply transfers)?
- Does it come from perceived celebrity status (everyone always talks about the person, so they must be good)?
- Does it come from credentials held (speaking at conferences, moderation at forums, articles published)?

Meanwhile, Rand posted his choices for top ten leaders in My Take on the Top Ten SEO Leaders

Both his list, and the one that inspired his, contained men. No women were listed in leadership roles.

I find that curious. Jill Whalen has been around as long as Danny Sullivan, and yet nobody mentioned her as a leader in SEO. She runs a forum, newsletter, conference and now a new organization for marketers. She's a speaker and presenter. She was completely ignored by two lists.

How do we select leaders? What do we value for credibility and trust?

I gravitate to people who are approachable, both in person and in email. There are people on some of the lists I see around that I would not approach without feeling like I was bothering them. They may be leaders, but that doesn't equate to worship, in my book.

Some folks are a surprise. I had always thought Shoemoney was a big name who wouldn't pay me the time of day. Turns out he's as friendly and fun as they come. If I can be spontaneous and natural with someone, they win me over. If I feel like I need to put on some sort of airs to be around them, forget it.

How do you choose whom to do biz with? I tend to go for the obviously talented and forward thinking, who also know how to handle business in a relaxed, informal manner. I come from a work hard, play hard IT background. The stars were the workaholics, who knew how to party when the work was done and deadlines were met. But once work started up, if you didn't kick donkey, you were squished and brushed aside. I work best for folks who value my word, my time, my input, my expertise and know how to show they do.

No matter your industry, who do you trust? Who leads well? Who motivates you to do better?

<added...Lisa Barone jumps in with Who do you trust? in the Bruce Clay blog.

<added 1/10...Jim Boykin has a list as well...I apologize for not getting it here sooner. SEO Leaders and Jim Rambling

This post has been edited by cre8pc: Jan 10 2007, 02:46 PM

[send2paul]

Kim,

Firstly I'm surprised about some of the entries on those lists. I don't know a huge amount about some of the names in the SEO world, (and I also find SEO blogs a bit tedious - forums are the best medium for SEO discussion in my opinion), but I've read some of their blogs and, well, they clearly know each other very well

You asked:

who do you trust? Who leads well? Who motivates you to do better?

And interestingly the word "respect" never featured anywhere in your post, or any of the two links.

To put it bluntly, I will work my best for someone who I respect, and I know that people will work for me better if they respect me. You have to earn respect - that's where you gain your credibility.

As the song went R...E...S...P...E...C...T - Find out what it means to me

Paul

[cre8pc]

work best for folks who value my word, my time, my input, my expertise and know how to show they do.

Which translated means, R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

and I'll thank you, dear Paul, for putting that song in my head

[Karl Ribas]

I read both, Rand's and Didier's list (the guy who inspired Rand to write his) and to be honest... I didn't take notice that a women was not mentioned. In fact, I also read Jim Boykin's version and failed to notice it then too. I guess I'm a typical man in that way.

Regarding Rae's post and to comment on the initial question... for me knowing who to follow and trust is a combination of things. Specifically from Rae's list, I'd agree with:

1. "meeting someone in person and gaining a vibe"

2. "transference (meaning that someone you follow also believes strongly in another person and the trust simply transfers)".

[SEOigloo]

A poster at Jim's blog made an interesting comment .... these top 10 lists aren't based on actual SEO performance. Wouldn't that be cool if they were? I guess, then, you'd probably trust the guy who is dominating the most agonizing keywords you can think of. But, with NDAs, etc., it's unlikely we'll ever see such a Top 10 list.
Miriam

[rmccarley]

Wow... this seems a bit loaded but here's my take.

Kim I will never give any woman any credit for being "a woman that..." Same for minorities, etc. I do my best to be gender-color-religion-sexual-orientation-blind and I know I am not perfect but if someone does great things who cares if they are black, red, green or orange? Male female, both or other?

One of the great things about being online is sometimes you just don't know! When a similar issue came up at SEOmoz a while ago I was surprised to find out some of my favorite bloggers were women. I honestly hadn't considered it before.

As to who I follow....

Money is an issue when it comes to taking on clients. Either they have it or not and I don't give away free lunches any more. Having a reasonable budget means the client is serious and prepared to do the work needed to make the project work. Doing it on the cheap means they are cheap and a lot of headaches will soon follow.

Off Topic

Today a client contacted me about a website I was going to build for him months ago. At the last minute he decided to have someone else do the actual design. One of the things the client was really interested in was SEO so I asked him repeatedly if his designer knew what was what for a SE-friendly design. I even offeres to have a conversation with the designer (free) to make sure. The client insisted the designer was. So today I look at this beautiuful, brand-new website...

...built in Flash.

But the client "saved" $600 by using his buddy's brother!

I don't follow Jill Whalen. But I have followed her neighbor in the past (really!) who is an incredible leader and does happen to be a woman.

I also follow you, Kim, for all things usability and community. Not because you are "a woman that" did it but because you are a person that kicked a lot of donkey and built a truly wonderful website that is more than just a website... it's friends and collegues and learning and fun all rolled into one!

It's a spectacular accomplishment for any human being. Was there really something more difficult about the experience bacause you are not male? Isn't being human enough?

I trust honesty. I trust people that stick up for themselves. I trust people that the people I trust trust.

I don't trust degrees. Just look at what "web designers" are taught to do! Usability and building for an audience isn't covered in any web design program I've seen. Sad. Loos cool? Here's your A!

I don't really trust awards anymore. They all seem bogus. Sad++

I trust what I can understand.

I trust what has not hurt me.

I trust reputations and referrals.

I trust humor.

[cre8pc]

It's a spectacular accomplishment for any human being. Was there really something more difficult about the experience bacause you are not male? Isn't being human enough?

These forums were launched when I was just laid off from Verticalnet, and was a single mom of two. However, I wasn't alone when it began, since they were a extension of something I already had in existence (a website promotion club). I had Bill and Adrian with me, and Ammon and Jill soon afterwards

I didn't mean to leave the impression that the recent trust lists are sexist. I'm unsure exactly what their criteria is. In Jill's case, and also Kalena Jordan, and even Shari Thurow from her earlier days with Grantastic, I watched as these women led the way and taught countless of today's SEO practioners. They are leaders, in my mind, due to having been in the business for over 10 years.

This is why I thought it would be interesting to investigate what a leader is.

Another way of looking at is Jakob Nielsen, for the usability industry. He is considered a leader and a guru. He's at the top of most lists. And yet there are many in the field who don't "follow" him, and question his writings, and theories. I personally don't consider his word gospel because there was a certain amount of ego and arrogance in his communications. I always felt he had an agenda, and that caused distrust.

I know the same thing happens with women leaders too, of course.

[rmccarley]

I totaly agree with you about Nielsen. He is a pompus donkey. And much of his advice is atrocious in reality. I still can't figure out how he became a big name. But then, some people like Kinkaid's paintings...

[Advisor]

I don't follow Jill Whalen. But I have followed her neighbor in the past (really!) who is an incredible leader and does happen to be a woman.

rmccarley, who's this neighbor of mine of which you speak?

Jill

[randfish]

My list was based on a few criteria I outlined, and it is sad that there aren't any women on that list. I think Jill would certainly be a leader, in the sense that she has a large scope of influence and incredible name recognition (perhaps more so than Philipp or Shoemoney).

In looking back at my list, I really should hvae called it something like "most influential people in search." Although, there would be some names missing from the equation there, too. It's a tough one

[diddy1]

As a matter of fact I think the problem lies in the limits of a "top ten list". I think there are so many more leaders that are closely outmatched to decide who truly is. But to answer the question I think the criteria falls upon the person making the list and what they know. Some people know all the achievements of a certain person therefore trust him or her as a "leader" but perhaps there are more SEO professionals out there who have done so much but they never publicize themselves or their accomplishments. Which brings us to the great unknown "Viagra, casino,.." SEO's that we probably re never going to know by name. The list would be so much easier if everyone kept a daily dairy of their doings, but that's pretty much impossible.

Thank You

[AbleReach]

I wonder if sometimes "leading" gets confused with "competing." When you think "competitive," do you think of men? I do, and I'm chalking it up to an artifact of... LOL... how do I put this? ...and artifact of having grown up in a big world.

Here are my criteria for leaders:

gracious
knowledgeable, yet also comfortable with learning
authoritative
open minded
enjoy sharing with others
doesn't have to be right
smart
able to debate issues without personal attack
always going for a new personal best

[bragadocchio]

As a football fan, I've used the words leadership define in many different ways when it comes to a football player. I wonder if the analogy is useful.

1. Leading a team on the field - helping to make sure that people are lined up in the right spots, offering the appropriate praise or criticism in the huddle, paying attention to what the other team is doing and making sure that knowledge is shared, helping the inexperienced so that they don't make mistakes, and helping them not to make mistakes that they do make.

2. Leading a team in the locker room. Presenting a good example to others, and helping them grow and develop professionally. Hosting gatherings to bring team mates closer together so that they work with each other rather than against one another.

3. Being a leader when it comes to labor relationships, maybe acting as a union representative and making sure that disputes and misunderstandings are handled correctly with people getting the chance to have their say. Being there when the media talks to a rookie the first few times, and helping them understand the right things to say, and what the wrong things might be.

4. Being a leader as a representative of the team in the community, participating in community events, working with charitable organizations, and helping to make the organization look good to the public.

Some people lead by example, and some lead by being vocal. Some are leaders on their own teams, and some represent the league.

There are many ways to be a leader in the Search Community, and many different leadership styles. I think that it's difficult to come up with a list like this not so much for a lack of leadership, but instead because there are many leaders, who are working to try to make this an industry where we can all grow professionally, and learn from each other.

[Advisor]

My list was based on a few criteria I outlined, and it is sad that there aren't any women on that list.

Ahaha...now we can make some blog posts about how Rand is a male chauvinist pig. (Or does the very fact of saying that date me as way too old? )

[cre8pc]

I think we should "punish" the cute hunk guys with our secret weapon

One is just never too old for bondage, I say.

Bad kimmy!

[swainzy]

One is just never too old for bondage, I say.

That's right.
Rand? You game for some bondage?

This post has been edited by swainzy: Jan 10 2007, 11:33 PM

[randfish]

You'd have to ask Mystery Guest for her permission. I'm staying far away from this one

[cre8pc]

She can help. We're not greedy!

[backgammonnn1234]

Yea i agree, shoemoney seems like one of the guys which really surprised me because when most people become that well off they usually let it get to their heads. I have seen him post on the other forums and im actually very shocked to see him do that and i always wonder if thats the real shoemoney. I wonder if i can get an actual pm conversation going with him sometime