Extinct

"The death of [leadership] is not likely to be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow extinction from apathy, indifference, and undernourishment."

- respect to Robert M. Hutchins for my edit

In Plain Sight
Take a moment and think about the leaders you work with who are failing. You know who they are. It's no surprise to you...or all of the others watching them flail about the conference rooms and hallways of your organization.

Their struggle is obvious to everyone...

...except them.

Yet we watch as if their failings are some sort of carnival side show. Entertainment for those of us who are so much better than they are.

Right?

Hard Conversations and Politics
In a perfect world we would pull these well intended yet embarrassingly off-base leaders aside and set them straight. We would ask questions so as not to insult them, but rather to help them see the harmful impact of their behavior on the workplace.

With no consequences.

But, alas...the world of work is rife with consequences. It's as if common sense is optional at work, yet posturing and grabbing as much power and control as possible is almost acceptable.

Almost.

How About You
Who do you work with that desperately needs a candid feedback session about their odd-ball behavior? Is it safe for you to do so? For most of you, I'm guessing your corporate environment is anything but safe.

Right?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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You, The Apathy Divine

I’m still surprised that it happens so often. Maybe I shouldn’t be. Perhaps it’s just human nature and I need to let it go? Maybe…but I don’t think that’s part of who I am. I don’t let things go as a general rule.

So what is it that happens so frequently? 

Leaders who refuse to step up, that’s what. 

Why does it happen again and again? The challenges in their work are right in front of them. Which means the opportunity to make a difference is also right in front of them. Yet somehow, they freeze. 

Is it fear of failure? Is it a lack of self-confidence? Is it the inability to process so much pressure all at once?

Could be. But what does one do about it? Let’s dive in and get our leaders back on track.

Pride

So many leaders end up changing their style once they achieve a new level of success in their careers. The hungry, risk-taking style that separated them from the others suddenly disappears when the stakes get high. The crushing paralysis of a risk-averse leadership style overtakes the once promising approach they used for years.

Fear of failing? YES! Fear of looking bad in front of their other risk-averse colleagues? YES! A new focus on survival vs. leadership? ABSOLUTELY!

  

"Someday we'll actually reward leaders for their courageous approach, instead of allowing them to hide behind a secret culture of political survival that only serves a handful of other leaders."

Learning

The antidote to this problem is a combination of character and willingness to learn. If leaders do not have enough character to recognize their approach is failing then all is lost.

If however, character is not an issue (be honest here), then the world will suddenly open up. Focusing on learning creates tremendous opportunities to excel. 

Consider the following points:

- Learning can be used both as a way to “catch up’ in areas where you are weak, but also to release yourself of the burden of having to know it all.

- When you’re learning you can’t be blamed, right? So keep learning! Show your organization and your teams that you are pushing yourself and will try, fail and eventually win.

How About You

You have to take the first step. I will help you. I will connect with you as often as you need it. I’m not perfect, but I have absolutely no fear anymore in my career. I will try anything, anywhere. I’m not kidding.

Let me help…or find another colleague who you can reach out to and get started now. Pick up the phone and call them. Schedule a coffee session. Don’t let your own apathy derail what could be so good.

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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