Effective Leadership:
Rejecting the Status Quo
By Timothy I. Thomas
Process. Routine. Habit. Status quo. When a true leader
hears the words, “We’ve always done it this
way,” his or her fingers start to itch. The questions
come fast and furious:
“Why have we always done it this way?”
“What’s working in our process – and
what’s not?”
“How can we do it better?”
Great leaders consistently seek out new and innovative
ways to accomplish work. They push the envelope in their
undying quest for continual improvement, living by the
adage, “If it’s not broke, break it!”
Is this an extreme position? Yes, it is. In a world where
people habitually resist change, true leaders seek change
out and welcome it. They affirm that no matter how poorly
a system is working now, it can be turned around to become
a streamlined, profit-making machine. And, they recognize
that no matter how well a system is functioning, it can
always be made better, leaner, and faster.
Here are three ways great leaders effect real change:
- Make adjustments gradually. You
can change a car’s direction by spinning the
wheel in a violent 180-degree turn, or you can take
your time and swing around in a gradual circle. Gradual
changes are usually easier on people, simpler to put
into action, and more effective in the long-run.
- Create small wins. If
entire processes, practices, or organizational structures
need to be overhauled, be sure to create small wins along
the way to encourage employee motivation, keep people
on target, and provide a sense of accomplishment.
- Learn through mistakes. Remember
that not every idea, plan, or change initiative will
be successful. Mistakes will be made. Failures will happen.
When that is the case, view mistakes as opportunities
for learning and not as reasons for blaming or bludgeoning
people. The question is not “Who screwed up?” but “What
can we learn?” In this atmosphere, mistakes and
failures become the keys to success, because people at
every level of the organization are confident that they
can seek for improvements without putting themselves
in personal jeopardy – even if their efforts are
not successful.
As a leader, never settle for the status quo. Never hesitate
to break new ground. The best is just a little beyond where
you are now. You can get there – it just takes the
courage to challenge, and to change.
© 2008 Timothy I. Thomas
Article Source: http://www.makariosconsulting.com
About the Author
Timothy I. Thomas is the President and CEO of Makarios
Consulting, LLC, a leadership development and business
consulting firm. Makarios Consulting specializes in interactive
training and one-on-one coaching in progressive organizations
in order to equip and empower their leaders to maximize
their own leadership skills and inspire others to accomplish
extraordinary business results. Timothy Thomas is the author
of Creating
All-Star Performers: The Power of Effective Feedback,
now available for immediate download at www.MakariosConsulting.com |
