F. Scott Fitzgerald (author of “The Great Gatsby”) once remarked that “the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.” One example of this may be in the field of leadership. Executives are often categorized by the extent that are “people focused” or “task focused.”
Venture capitalist Ravi Gupta of Sequoia Capital (and former COO and CFO of Instacart) says a great leader needs to be both. “All of the great leaders I’ve worked with are this way. Founders and board members. Coaches and teachers. My parents. I aspire to be demanding and supportive”
