In the leadership workshop Dare to Be Great; Strategies for Creating a Culture of Leading we explore two Guiding Questions for leaders. The first is “What’s Important Now?” and the second is “What’s the right thing to do?” Doing what’s right is not always popular, it is not always expedient, and it is not always easy, but it is always what’s right.
“On some positions, Cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expedience asks the question, ‘Is it politic?’ And Vanity comes along and asks the question ‘Is it popular?’ But Conscience asks the question, ‘Is it right?’ … The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience, but where he stands in moments of challenge, moments of great crisis and controversy.” Martin Luther King Jr.
It takes courage to do what is right and we need more leaders who have the courage to do what is right. I would suggest that we could take the last line from the about quote by Martin Luther King Jr. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience, but where he stands in moments of challenge, moments of great crisis and controversy.” And replace the word “man” with leader.
It is easy to lead when there is no challenge, no crisis, and no controversy. What we need more of is leaders who will do the hard work and lead in times of chaos, challenge, crisis, controversy and complexity. We need Lighthouse Leaders who in the storm, the fog and the uncertainty will not waiver and will serve to guide their people safely through the storm.
Is it easy to be a Lighthouse Leader? Hell no. Is it critically important? Hell yes. You owe it to the people you have the privilege to lead, the people who will raise their hand voluntarily and follow you. You owe it to them to be the role model, the mentor, the coach and the leader they need and deserve. In doing that you are teaching them how to lead and are training the future leaders.
“The opposite of courage in our society is not cowardice; it is conformity.”
Rollo May
Use those two questions – What’s Important Now? and What’s the right thing to do? – as tools to help you make decisions as a leader. Use them in conjunction with your organizations Core Values. Teach them to your people as decision-making tools. When you do that you will generally make good decision, not perfect decision, but good decisions. You can then use them to guide the ongoing review and learning process.
Remember that leadership is a choice and a journey and it starts with you. Choose well, keep learning and enjoy the journey.
Brian Willis
www.daretobegreatleadership.com
Register yourself, and your team for the Dare to Be Great: Strategies for Creating a Culture of Leading online workshop to get everyone on the same page regarding leadership and culture. If you are interested in hosting a live Dare to Be Great workshop reach out to me at info@daretobegreatleadership.ca.