What will happen if nothing changes?

Many of those who lead organizations go through a very similar routine this time of the year. They start by admonishing themselves for the mistakes of the past year — the projects left undone and the opportunities not seized. They grit their teeth, clean off their desks, start a fresh notebook and resolve to make significant changes in the way they will work in the coming year.

By Gregg Thompson

Year after year, the same resolutions are made: get organized, set priorities and delegate more. While these are worthy goals, the truth is many will still be at the same spot next year, fussing about the way they organize, prioritize and delegate. But what would happen if leaders were determined to make a real change in the way they lead their organizations this year? Or, what would happen in these same organizations this year if the leadership doesn’t change?

Here are seven leadership resolutions one might consider that will make a real difference in an organization.

1.  Craft a big, bold, breath taking story and tell it every day. Imagine the most exciting, rewarding, and scariest future. What great battles need to be won, treasures found and people freed. Paint the story in full color. What does the future look like? What needs to be completed to get there? How is tomorrow going to be much better than today? People want to be part of an important story. Tell it to them and help them find their own starring role.

2.  Multiply the strength of leadership connections. Consider for a moment the eight to 10 individuals with similar management and leadership responsibilities. How much more effective would the team become if the leader dramatically strengthened personal connections with other members of the team? If an acceptable status quo has already been established change may not be easy. In order to combat difficult conversations, try this: honour an employee’s uniqueness; learn about them; ask how they can be served. 

3.  Act with exceptional compassion and kindness. The members of an organization are faced with many of the same challenges that leaders face — imperfect products, unpredictable markets, insatiable customers, disappointing staff performance. Leaders should seek out ways to show their humanity every day by treating everyone in the organization with dignity and respect, especially those who are struggling.

4.  Tell the absolute truth. Stop spinning, sugar-coating and avoiding. Leaders will be amazed at how many people will suddenly start to listen. Everyone wants to improve the communication throughout their organization but what about simply setting a new standard for honesty ... starting with the leader. How much more effective would an organization be if the half-truths, positioning, sacred elephants and face-saving were eradicated? The tough part is that leaders cannot make this happen by mandating it. They must go first and model it.  

5.  Hold everyone accountable. Accountability is a very good thing. It is not tyranny. A caring leader insists that people do what they say they will do. When leaders hold people accountable for their work, they are conveying the message that their work is important. Every time leaders let a deadline slip or a deliverable go incomplete, they are discounting the person whose job it is to deliver on these commitments. Make it a habit to ensure that every piece of work is accompanied by a personal commitment. Measure it and give feedback. Initiate consequences. Celebrate being part of an organization that keeps its promises.

6. Confront underperformance with a twist. Most leaders know who is under-performing in the organization. Make a list. Commit to seeing that this performance changes early in the year. Now here’s the tough part. Before any action is taken, ask these questions — “What is the role of the leader in this situation? How have actions or lack thereof contributed to this situation? What needs to be done differently?” Approach the individuals in question and describe your responsibilities and personal commitments to change. Then, and only then, it’s their turn to take action.

7. Be unique. If the leadership qualities of Bill Gates, Gandhi, Mother Theresa, George Washington, Jack Welch and Winston Churchill were morphed into one individual what would be the final product? Probably a bland, non-descript person indistinguishable in the crowd. These men and women made a difference because they had the courage to be themselves. Maybe it’s time to figure out what is most important and share it with the rest of the team.

As a leader, be determined to make this year the best ever. After all, what will happen if nothing really changes?  

Gregg Thompson (greggthompson@bluepointleadership.com) is the president of Bluepoint Leadership Development, and the author of Unleashed! and The Leadership Experience.

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