A viral post by leadership strategist Ginny Clarke (@ginny_clarke) is sparking discussion about what it really takes to lead effectively.
Clarke, a former Google executive and leadership advisor, drew attention with a seemingly simple question:
“Do you walk down the middle of the sidewalk?”
While the question may sound trivial, Clarke argues it speaks volumes about a person’s ability to navigate relationships, adapt to others, and exercise self-awareness — all key traits of effective leadership.
In an accompanying YouTube video, Clarke elaborated that the strongest leaders are not always those with the highest IQ or most technical expertise.
Instead, they are individuals who can systematically analyze human behavior, anticipate reactions, and adjust strategies accordingly.
“The leaders I’ve worked with who are most effective aren’t necessarily the smartest in a traditional sense,” Clarke said in the video. “They can anticipate how a policy change will be received by different teams. They can sense when a team member is disengaging before it becomes a performance issue. They can predict which communication approach will be most effective with different audiences.”
Clarke distinguished this ability from emotional intelligence alone, framing it instead as “strategic intelligence” — the skill of factoring human variables into decision-making in ways that drive better outcomes.
Her sidewalk analogy, Clarke explained, underscores the importance of spatial and situational awareness: if a person consistently takes up space without regard for others, it may reflect a lack of adaptability and consideration — qualities that can undermine leadership in more complex settings.
The post has resonated widely, particularly among professionals navigating workplace culture and team dynamics.
Many commenters praised Clarke for reframing leadership beyond credentials and toward awareness, adaptability, and relational strategy.
