Lists. Do we really need them? Do we need somebody else to tell us who’s the best in the business? Why would we need something like that. Aren’t we intelligent people; can’t we think for our selves? There are lists for lists, it seems. Yet, somehow, I am disturbed not that a Top Influencer list exists, but who these lists exclude.
Certainly, big mover and shaker publications can’t have “Everybody” lists. Then, the list would not be special. Recently, a list was created to applaud the top 25 recruiters. While I admire and respect the creator of that list, I was miffed who it excluded. It happened to exclude some of my favorite people; people who shaped the way I view the recruiting industry; people who’ve shown me the way. No, my feelings weren’t hurt. I feel very positive about the people who were included on the list. They are great folks. Their reach, relevance, and resonance can not be denied.
The power of positive recognition is compelling. What these lists don’t have is a heart for those worthy people they leave behind.
Every time one of these important lists are published, I just want to raise my hand, and say, hey what about that guy? I care about my friends, my mentors, my colleagues who I really believe should be on these lists. Then when I see they were short shifted, I feel so bad for them. I hope I never make it on one of those lists. I don’t know what I’d do if I did. I’d probably call my boyfriend and say, honey let’s get on the next train out of dodge, because I’m not up for a rubber chicken dinner.
Here’s me bleeding on the page for my colleagues. The irony is they could care less whether or not they make it on a list, or not. They are mature. Accolades are great when you get them. Lists might even be great when you make them. In the final analysis, we have to list ourselves.
We are the top influencer in our hearts, and when our hearts are pure and good, we influence those around us with love, kindness, and generosity. Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best:
"The definition of success–To laugh much; to win respect of intelligent persons and the affections of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give one’s self; to leave the world a little better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition.; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived–this is to have succeeded."
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I’m with you on this, Margo, albeit for somewhat different reasons.
When I first got involved in social media, particularly Twitter, I followed some of the perennial A-listers religiously. I found that many of them weren’t particularly engaging, I didn’t like their writings (style or subject), and there was a lot of high school clique behavior that I am far too old to get involved in.
I don’t even know which list you are referring to, but it doesn’t matter because I don’t even look at them anymore. I’ve found great people to follow and connect with, and I don’t even want to know what someone else thinks about it.
I also think, like you, that these lists are patronizing. I don’t need anyone else to tell me what to think. I’m basically tired of lists in general. They’re everywhere, and they are contributing to the dumbing down of our entire society.
Any list that is created is flawed including Blog Rolls, Twitter Lists, Blog Rankings, etc.
Sometimes we have personal bias, professional bias, what we think is “good” bias. Sometimes computer generated ranking are biased by the inputs used.
The value lists do give (I think most lists are more true than not) is a benchmark of some sort. It allows us to see to some extent who is doing what and hopefully a little of the how.
Absolutely these things need to be kept in perspective.
Margo, I appreciate your valuable post. Agree with your thinking here. It’s important to be thoughtful when making lists. This creates more meaning + concrete value.
I resisted listing for many of the reasons stated here. Influence is highly subjective. Lists certainly have their place in recognizing people who inspire, innovate, or you connect with on some meaningful level.
Thank you,
-M
I agree with you Meghan. I wish they did have everything lists. A lot of thought and research go into these lists. But, I can’t help but question authority and ask, how much of these lists are the results of a popularity contest, rather than looking at the merits of what that person actually contributes to the fields and to others. That’s the inherent flaw with the list aggregating software. A piece of software can crunch the numbers, but it can’t measure the true worth someone puts into compassionately helping others. You, my dear should be on a compassionate list. You reached out to me when I was in transition. You cheerfully supported my tweets. You always including me in the conversation on twitter. Your spirit of inclusion and compassion is beyond measure. Let’s come up with awards for that.
I love you Meghan, I am a better person because of your influence.
Your comment resonated with me, and it made me think long and hard about list creation. Slouch advised me that software aggregates the numbers and compiles the measurement for relevance, resonance, and reach. I agree, they are patronizing in assuming we shouldn’t think for ourselves, and blindly follow the leader. On the other hand, I think most people who read those lists are critical thinkers like us Joan. I dislike the good old boy patriarchal system of authority as much as you do. That is in part, why I wrote this post. On the other hand, I love dearly, a few of the people who made the list. With that said, there’s several people I’d never heard of, which left me scratching my head thinking, “who are these people, and why haven’t I heard of them.” THAT is why I wrote the post. It’s no secret I admire Steve Levy, who I consider a mentor, Michael Keleman, who gave me my start on twitter. These two people deserve more applause, and praise than any two people on the list combined. Now those two reach out to newbies, and give them a leg up, they speak thoughtfully about the issues, they add generously to the conversation, and if they have time, they’ll spend 30 minutes either on line or on the phone to answer questions, and offer advice. Those people deserve praise. Sure, they’ve made their share of lists. They could care less about being on them. While you and I had slightly different reasons for our dismay with lists, most certainly I agree with you and value your input. I luv ya Joan. We hit it off right away when we met at HRevolution. Eventhough you are taller than your avatar, you are a giant in my heart. I therefore add you to my list of compassionate HR professionals.
Paul, I agree. All lists are flawed and biased to an extent, and I am guilty for loving the people I add to my twitter lists. Those lists give me a chance to follow just them, and weed out all the extraneous chatter in the stream. I also agree that lists that are back with a measure of statistically valid data benchmark performance on how one reaches an audience. Frankly, those are the lists I could do without. I am always so excited when my friends make them, and then I am disappointed for my friends who work every bit as hard to be steward leaders in their communities, yet are left off. Thanks for visiting my site, and commenting on my post.
Margo, What a fantastic post. Lists stopped being useful when they became popularity contests and additional chances for the loudest voices to be heard. Many times the people making the greatest contributions are doing so on a smaller more intimate scale.
I look forward to diving into your site a bit more. Great stuff!
Jenn