Here’s what I have learnt about leadership.
Sometimes, it means implementing a vision or a change, and that usually means having a spine and standing up for what you believe in — even though it almost certainly will be difficult, and have pain and some angst associated with it. Even though — it almost certainly will require you to be able to articulate your “why” over and over again. And even then — there will be those that you can never convince. And there will be talking behind your back (or to your face) as people tell you why they disagree or why this is a bad idea or why you are wrong.
Sometimes, we just have to stand up for what is right. Sometimes we have to make the change. Sometimes we need to implement the vision. Even though it will be hard. Usually, very hard. And even though it may fail. Because how can you expect your people, your team to do the right thing, to stand up for what they believe in (including you), to implement the hard changes; if you can’t or won’t?
But, and here’s the rub — think of the truly inspiring and great leaders both of this era and years gone by .. Did they take the easy road? Did they take the easy way out? Or did they stand up for what they believed in- consequences be damned.
Because true change rarely comes easily.
But it’s worth it.
So think about your legacy — do you want to be known as the one who stood back and did nothing or the one that stood up and made (all) the difference.
Until next week, happy leading.
