The Courage to Lead Differently

One of the first instincts we have as a leader is to learn from other leaders. How are they impacting those they lead? How can we borrow their methods and apply them to our leadership style?

Will Guidara, the owner of Eleven Madison Park—once considered the best restaurant in the United States, holder of three Michelin stars, and ranked among the top 50 restaurants in the world—didn’t want to borrow from others. He had a different approach.

Guidara has written four books on hospitality. His latest, Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect, introduces an interesting concept that doesn’t involve learning from the best.

Guidara once took his team to dine at one of the world’s finest restaurants—not to revel in its celebrated successes, but to study its shortcomings. Rather than asking what the establishment excelled at, he challenged his team to pinpoint moments that fell short or lacked magic. This exercise wasn’t about criticism for the sake of criticism—it was about sharpening their ability to recognize gaps and imperfections that could be turned into remarkable opportunities. By focusing on what was lacking, Guidara inspired a mindset of relentless improvement and innovation.

Guidara challenges leaders to go beyond conventional wisdom, urging them to explore what others overlook. In Unreasonable Hospitality, he emphasizes the importance of creating extraordinary moments by addressing the smallest, often ignored details. Instead of simply copying successful strategies, he advocates identifying the gaps in experiences—those rare touches that transform good into unforgettable. His philosophy reshapes leadership, showing that true innovation often lies not in following the footsteps of others, but in blazing new trails where few dare to venture.

Guidara’s perspective also reminds us of the value in learning what not to do as a leader. Many lessons come not from success, but from missteps—our own and those of others. By observing where others falter, leaders can identify pitfalls to avoid. Rigid adherence to established norms often stifles innovation, leaving organizations stagnant. And failing to listen or adapt to feedback can alienate the very people a leader aims to inspire.

Guidara’s concept of “unreasonable hospitality” suggests that meaningful leadership arises when we question assumptions and avoid complacency. It’s not just about exceeding expectations—but recognizing when practices have grown stale or counterproductive. This approach encourages leaders to refine their vision by not only emulating excellence but also consciously steering clear of habits, methods, or mindsets that hinder growth and creativity. The true art of leadership, then, lies not merely in imitation, but in discernment—knowing when to push boundaries and when to avoid them.

Creating your own success requires the courage to innovate, a willingness to take risks, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. It means crafting a path that reflects your distinct values, vision, and aspirations—rather than simply following a template laid out by others. Success born from originality carries a deeper impact, resonating not just within your own domain but inspiring others to embrace their unique potential.

As leaders, the challenge is not to replicate greatness—but to redefine what greatness means on our own terms, weaving personal excellence into the fabric of our endeavors.

Only by daring to be different do we unlock the transformative power of leadership that truly stands apart. And that’s a principle we can all borrow from Guidara.

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