In over three decades of training over a thousand leaders, it continuously concerns me that so many individuals in leadership positions continue to view situations either as going according to plan, or problematic. Individuals who succumb to the problem or okay mindset generally back themselves into a corner, beginning the solution process from a negative perspective or attitude. Instead of becoming concerned about problems or potential problems and then getting bogged down in them, great leaders approach each circumstance from the point of view of having a solution that will overcome and conquer every obstacle, rather than deteriorating into a problem. Brendan Francis wrote, "The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it."
1. Although it may see, like I am contradicting myself by first saying things should not be looked upon as problems, and then entitling this article about leaders being problem solvers, I most assuredly am not. Although it is best to view obstacles as challenges instead of problems, some of the greatest leaders have inherited problematic circumstances from their predecessors. One of the greatest obstacles to effective leadership is often procrastination, yet it is also the most frequently followed course of action (or inaction) by a large percentage of those in leadership. Either because of ineffective or insufficient planning, fear, lack of judgment, not enough expertise, etc., obstacles left unattended to have a tendency to escalate to the problem stage. The great leader still does not view this as a problem, although most others do. The great leader, instead of hiding from or avoiding the situation, instead takes the issue on, head on, and plans courses of actions, and alternative approaches to solve any dilemma.
2. It is incumbent on a true leader to fully evaluate circumstances as they have been, are presently, and might end up if no actions are taken. These great leaders understand fully that there are always ramifications of any action taken, and procrastination or avoiding taking action, is, in and of itself, an action. True leadership must never be ego driven, or about developing a legacy. It must never prioritize worrying that an action taken might go wrong and fearing being blamed, but rather emphasize taking action and being prepared with contingency plans and back up plans, to be ready and prepared for any eventuality. A true leader views what others view as problems, and rather than letting it rule him, takes charge. He dedicates himself to solutions that address the present with an understanding of the past, and plans for the present, the near future, and the long term.
Only when a leader commits to this solution oriented approach will he be fully effective. Leadership always comes with a certain degree of adversity, and only with a knowledge and comfort level of planning, action, and decision making, can someone truly be considered a real leader.
1. Although it may see, like I am contradicting myself by first saying things should not be looked upon as problems, and then entitling this article about leaders being problem solvers, I most assuredly am not. Although it is best to view obstacles as challenges instead of problems, some of the greatest leaders have inherited problematic circumstances from their predecessors. One of the greatest obstacles to effective leadership is often procrastination, yet it is also the most frequently followed course of action (or inaction) by a large percentage of those in leadership. Either because of ineffective or insufficient planning, fear, lack of judgment, not enough expertise, etc., obstacles left unattended to have a tendency to escalate to the problem stage. The great leader still does not view this as a problem, although most others do. The great leader, instead of hiding from or avoiding the situation, instead takes the issue on, head on, and plans courses of actions, and alternative approaches to solve any dilemma.
2. It is incumbent on a true leader to fully evaluate circumstances as they have been, are presently, and might end up if no actions are taken. These great leaders understand fully that there are always ramifications of any action taken, and procrastination or avoiding taking action, is, in and of itself, an action. True leadership must never be ego driven, or about developing a legacy. It must never prioritize worrying that an action taken might go wrong and fearing being blamed, but rather emphasize taking action and being prepared with contingency plans and back up plans, to be ready and prepared for any eventuality. A true leader views what others view as problems, and rather than letting it rule him, takes charge. He dedicates himself to solutions that address the present with an understanding of the past, and plans for the present, the near future, and the long term.
Only when a leader commits to this solution oriented approach will he be fully effective. Leadership always comes with a certain degree of adversity, and only with a knowledge and comfort level of planning, action, and decision making, can someone truly be considered a real leader.
No comments:
Post a Comment