There is an old statement, of which the original author is unknown that states, “The definition of insanity is doing the same things you’ve always done, but expecting to receive different results.” We’ve all been part of organizations which make bold statements of change and new-found enthusiasm to become better than they have been. The teams are assembled, CEOs make inspiring speeches, managers make goals, and the new company mission statement is hung in the halls for all to see. However, after the pomp and circumstance is over, more often than not the organization falls back into their same old patterns, doing things just as they’ve always done, but then a year later, they find themselves wondering why they are still getting the same old results. Great leaders understand that you can’t continue to do the same things and expect different results. Yet, even good leaders will often miss this truth, and fall back into routines which are comfortable and efforts which keep the status quo intact. The good leader may say all the right things and have a sincere desire to see their organization move forward, however, it takes more than speeches and statements to bring about real change. It takes a mindset that allows for the leader to let go of the comfortable, shelve their ego, and become willing to do things differently even when it’s difficult.
Jim Collins’ 2001 book, Good to Great, sums up the pivotal difference between a good company and a great company, and even more so, a good leader and a great leader, when he states, “Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice.” Collins provides many examples of leaders who refused to remain at status quo and made the intentional choice to embrace methods and practices that were different from those which built the company initially. Sometimes those practices are subtle, but more often, they are ones that cause discomfort and anxiety for not only the people of the organization, but especially for the leader themself. The ones who can truly be classified as great are the ones who skillfully, graciously, and courageously have made the conscious choice to change their mindset and move from good work to great work. It’s not easy, and for many it will bring heartache, emotional chaos, and the feeling of loss. However, the great ones push through it because they are convinced that they want to see different results from their organization’s efforts.
Some of the keys for the leader are to be willing to put aside personal preference, so overcame their need to get all the attention, and allow their team to do things which may make them uncomfortable due to navigating in uncharted territory. Some can muster the courage and become great. Many, unfortunately, will only remain a good leader and reap only the results of doing what they’ve always done. This principle is true of leaders, families, couples, and organizations. If you want to see different results, you must do different things. Rising to new levels of achievement will never happen accidentally. It always comes from a conscious choice and the mindset which great leaders possess.
Lead well.