5 Reasons To Stop Chopping and Changing As A Leader
Leadership is in many ways a marathon rather than a sprint. Despite this we often see organisations continually chopping and changing:
- The leadership team
- The focus
- The priorities
- The direction of travel
While it might seem sensible and logical at the time, it might not be the best option long term for the following reasons:
- Yes, making change might achieve some short term bursts of enthusiasm or motivation. At the same time the issues or challenges that were there previously don’t evaporate into thin air. The reality is there is no magic potion to change things overnight.
- You might, in the longer term, make huge strides forward, which is great. On the other hand, in my experience you often end up going backwards or covering old ground in the short to medium term. Ask yourself, is it worth it?
- People want to be part of a success and if you are forever chopping and changing you reduce the chances of success. When this happens many of your best people will vote with their feet and move on.
- You might well have set out the plans, made the key decisions, taken the action and only seen small improvements so you quit too quickly. The consequence is that you miss out on a huge breakthrough.
- If you are continually changing your mind, your people, your priorities, then staff don’t know where they stand and which way to turn. Faced with this there is a distinct possibility that morale will hit rock bottom.
Reason 1: There Is No Magic Potion
Reason 2: You End Up Going Backwards
Reason 3: You End Up Losing Good People
Reason 4: You Can Easily Stop Just Before A Breakthrough
Reason 5: Morale Falls Through The Floor
The truth is there will be times when change, and even change on a major scale, is needed. At the same time, make sure you are not changing just for the sake of it.
Duncan Brodie of Goals and Achievements helps accountants and health professionals to become highly effective leaders and managers. He invites you to take advantage of his free audio e-course Leadership Success at www.goalsandachievements.co.uk
About the Author Duncan Brodie
Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.