If you read last week’s post, you are more than likely aware I’ve been reading Tribes by Seth Godin. While reading this book, I came across a very interesting statement. Mr. Godin says, “Leadership isn’t difficult, but you’ve been trained for years to avoid it.”
I guess I’ve never really thought about it this way, but it’s true. The majority of us have really been conditioned and trained to be followers; to not challenge the Status Quo; to be ordinary, not extraordinary; to get out into the workplace, get a good job, and retire.
And perhaps this is the reason why many large organizations today are struggling. In other words, our well-trained followers have made organizations stagnate, complacent, and reluctant to change. It’s better to have “Yes Men” and “Yes Women” than give people the opportunity to share grand ideas that could literally transform an entire organization. An organization filled with leaders and freethinkers might be problematic – therefore, it’s better to think “inside-the-box,” than it is to step outside-of-the-box entirely and revolutionize an entire industry with an already uncertain future.
As you and I both know, the business world is more dynamic than ever before. It’s constantly changing! Like it or not, organizations must learn to adapt or die. It’s that simple. And given this challenging environment we both live and do business in today, it is necessary that all individuals in an organization become leaders – not just the bosses.
The most exciting part is this – the marketplace rewards it. But, from what I’ve seen, it’s start-up firms that are really leading the marketplace and being innovative. In other words, challenging the Status Quo.
And they are succeeding!
Here’s the good news: I honestly believe, given the opportunity, people want to lead. They want to make a difference; they want to be involved in something significant; to find meaning and fulfillment in what they do. Unfortunately, for many organizations, this is neither the culture that has been created or nurtured.
And because of this, many people no longer feel heroic!
“Leadership isn’t difficult, but we’ve been trained for years to avoid it…” And as a result, many organizations and industries today are trying to reinvent themselves at the last minute. Unfortunately for many, it may be too late. For your sake, and the sake of your organization, I hope it isn’t.
And lastly, as Seth Godin says, don’t be afraid to “Poke the Box.”