In an era shadowed by the ominous McCarthy investigations, government spies, like shadows in the night, infiltrated underground political rallies. Their mission: to identify those deemed “dangerous to national security.” These clandestine agents were no ordinary spies; they were trained applause watchers. Their modus operandi? To discreetly photograph and investigate individuals who exhibited distinctive behaviors – those who clapped first, shouted “Bravo” with the greatest fervor, and wore the longest-lasting smiles at the culmination of politically charged speeches. To these covert infiltrators, these were the “dangerous ones.” They believed that the first responders possessed a unique quality – the power to persuade and the charisma to lead.
However, the principle of being a first responder isn’t confined to the political arena or sensitive gatherings. It extends to everyday life and interactions. People who instinctively respond first to a presentation, an idea, or an event, without the need to gauge the reactions of those around them, often possess qualities that mark them as individuals of leadership caliber.
Cool Cats Clap First
Imagine yourself seated in a vast auditorium alongside hundreds of fellow employees, all attentive to the president of your company as they introduce a groundbreaking concept. In that moment, you might think your expression is a mere drop in the vast sea of the audience’s collective demeanor. But, as a seasoned speaker, I can assure you that every speaker on that stage notices every nuance – every smile, every frown, every glint of interest reflected in the eyes, and every spark of exceptional human intelligence emanating from the crowd.
In parallel, the company president, standing at the helm of the presentation, anxiously scans the audience, surveying the corporate landscape. From the myriad expressions peering back at them, they discern which employees are aligned with the vision and who remains skeptical. Furthermore, they can pinpoint individuals within the sea of faces who possess the potential to be heavy hitters – individuals who share the traits of leadership.
The Sympathetic Supporter
Why is this so? Because individuals who have attained the status of heavy hitters, even when they find themselves in disagreement with the speaker, instinctively support the person at the podium. They do so because they understand what it means to stand in the spotlight. They recognize that no matter how prominent or humble the person addressing the audience may be, there’s an inherent concern about how the crowd will receive the message.
When the company’s top executive delivers their closing lines, strategically crafted to elicit a standing ovation or the consent of employees, rest assured they are acutely aware of who initiated the applause. They know exactly when the applause began, how soon after the last word, and with what level of enthusiasm it was expressed.
Lead the Listeners
Despite the veneer of confidence projected by the person behind the podium, concealed within is often a sliver of apprehension. They, too, are concerned about how their message resonates with the audience. This is where leadership in the crowd comes into play.
Exceptional individuals, those we might consider “big winners,” quickly identify their counterparts in the audience. These astute individuals recognize fellow leaders when they see someone taking the initiative to guide the audience’s reactions. It might be as simple as being the first to applaud or publicly commending the speaker when their ideas align with your own or when you seek their favor.
Whether you find yourself in a massive auditorium or a small, informal gathering, take the initiative. Be the first to respond to the speaker’s ideas, be the first to utter a heartfelt “good idea,” or be the first to break into applause. These actions convey that you trust your instincts and are unafraid to lead the way in supporting a cause or idea.
In the end, it’s proof positive that you’re a person of influence and someone who isn’t content to merely follow the crowd. By taking the lead in your reactions, you establish yourself as a leader in the eyes of both the speaker and your peers. So, remember, don’t wait to see how others respond – be the one who sets the tone and leads the listeners.