From our newsletter Outside the Lines

The power of imitation

Evolution tells us that success lies with the species that can best adapt to its changing environment.

One of the best strategies for doing that is to find out what works - and then copy it.

Animals have been role modelling this for us for millennia.

Watch and listen to this clip from David Attenborough’s BBC series The Life of Birds of the lyre bird. You’ll hear not just its own song, but the lyre bird’s incredible impersonation of a range of other sounds - kookaburras, chainsaws, cameras….

Who are you already copying?

The truth is that you’re already copying a bunch of other people’s behaviour.

– Your parents, almost certainly. (I keep catching myself imitating my Dad’s mannerisms, which is both cool and disconcerting.)

– The leader (formal or not) of the people with whom you work.

– And a range of other people who’ve influenced you (for better and for worse) in your life so far.

In fact, you’re a little photomosaic - a big picture made up of small pictures. (Click on the ‘click for detail’ link below The Birth of Venus, Starry Night or Guernica.)

So here are some questions to ponder:

==> Do you know who you’re imitating?

==> Are these still the people you want to be imitating?

==> Are there others in this world that you could channel who set a different, higher standard?

==> Are there others who could “call you forward” to be a better version of yourself?

Who would you want to copy?

By moving from unconscious to conscious imitation, you can help change your own behaviour to become more “congruent”, more in line with how you are when you’re at your best.

Let me give you an example.

As I prepare the strategy to launch my next book, Find Your Great Work , I find I’ve got three “imitation” questions I’m asking;

1. What would Malcolm Gladwell do?

Malcolm Gladwell is best known for his two books, The Tipping Point and Blink. I’m a fan of his because his writing is personal, humorous, based in solid research, and accessible. As I write (what I hope is) the last draft, I ask myself: how would Malcolm Gladwell write about this?

2. What would Seth Godin do?

Seth is a giant in the post-modern marketing world. His book Purple Cow is one of my favourites. Seth is always deeply customer-focused, committed to being different, and willing to take a risk. So asking “what would Seth do?” helps me stretch my plans in getting the book out into the world

3. What would Kate do?

My friend Kate is an outstanding consultant around leadership and strategy. Amongst other things, I admire her tenacity and willingness to keep searching for people who challenge and inspire her and her ability to find business opportunities with her clients. As I prepare to meet people who might help make the book successful, I can centre myself by asking, “What would Kate do?”

Action time!

Who are three role models you know and admire?

They may be people you know personally.

They may be people who’s work you admire. (You can check out the roster of great folks on SoundWise for some additional inspiration.)

Pick one of those people. What do you see in how she or he behaves that you find admirable and influential?

Pick one of those behaviours … and practise incorporating into your own way of acting over the next week.

Don’t take my word for it

Smart people thinking out loud about imitation.

“Originality is nothing by judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed one from another.”
-Voltaire, French writer

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
-Confucius, Chinese philosopher

“Imitation is the sincerest form of television.”
-Fred Allen, American comedian

Read more quotations and add your favourites here.