Kriegel and Patler (1991) state, “Your most important tool is your willingness to change.”
How very true this is. Take a look at anyone or any organization which is thriving and you will see that there is a common thread: their willingness to make changes in how they think and how they operate. Yet there are still many who run and hide when the word “change” is uttered, even if change is the only thing that will save them from extinction. You’ve heard me say before that change, though scary and commonly avoided at all costs, is absolutely essential, but this post is not really about change itself. It is about our mindset as leaders. So, let’s focus on the “willingness” part, rather than the terrifying “change” part.
It is well known that effective leaders are those who have done enough personal examination to know what motivates them and makes them tick. When they wake each morning, they know why they are getting out of bed, and throughout their day, they have a clear vision of why they are doing what they are doing. Motivation isn’t a problem for them because they are sold out to their mission. We want leaders like this who will be steadfast in the execution of their tasks and will remain committed to their cause. When political leaders flip flop, we lose confidence in them. When organizational leaders are hesitant to make a decision, we look for someone else to lead. We want strong leaders who are consistent and on whom we can count to go the distance.
However, the dark side of leaders who are this determined to stand their ground is that they can sometimes fall into the traps of inflexibility, blindness to their personal and professional weaknesses, inability to allow others to speak into their circumstances, and unwillingness to make needed changes. Unfortunately, if they stand their ground too long on certain issues, they will go the way of so many great organizations which have become irrelevant and lost their place in the marketplace. This can happen with businesses, schools, civic organizations, and even churches. Each may’ve been highly effective in their early years, but because of their unwillingness to acknowledge the true picture of how they function, they decline and often die out. It’s sad, but true.
Great leaders are strong, but they have the mindset that continuing to be relevant and having their mission thrive is more important than the method in which they carry it out. They want to stand firm on their message but are willing to look for more current and relevant ways to communicate. They are willing to change how they function because they are more interested in the future than they are the past, or even maintaining the status quo in the present, driven by personal preference. Their willingness is the key. If not, their organization may die the slow death of decline and the leader may end up with little to show for their efforts.
As you lead, stay true to your mission, but be willing, even eager, to continually adjust your methods so that you remain effective. Your willingness will be your greatest tool.
Lead well.