#648 heat

It seems that Bitcoin is making the news beyond the county political convention.  After a series of mergers and sales, Newsweek is returning as a print publication.  What story did they use for their first feature?  The revelation of the identity of the Bitcoin founder.

Previously the creator had been known only by a pseudonym, but Newsweek claims to have uncovered the man's identity.  Likely on purpose, the story has created quite a stir and is the hot topic on morning talk shows.  Newsweek even had to hire a bodyguard for the author who was facing threats against her.

Newsweek editor in chief Jim Impoco said that he was prepared for the controversy.  "Go large or go home," he said.  "This is Newsweek.  We are raising the dead here.  And you know what?  People are aware of it now."

It is possible that the founder of Bitcoin remained anonymous because he did not want to face the media storm that would come with such visibility.  The Newsweek editor seems comfortable with the limelight whereby Bitcoin's creator prefers to predominately be an entrepreneur rather than leader.

Not everyone is willing to own the leadership role and all that comes with it.  Former Secretary of State Condolezza Rice offers this explanation as to why: "Leadership is hard because everybody who doesn't actually want to do it wants to tell you how to do it.  You'd better have thick skin."

There is a fine line between caring what others think and caring more about the big picture and outcome. You would do well to assess your mettle before stepping out into the fray.  It does little good to go home after you're out there.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Sources:  Bitcoin controversy marks Newsweek's comeback by David Bauder for the Associated Press in the Telegraph Herald, March 9, 2014

Leading by example by Lynn Sherr in Parade Magazine, March 9, 2014