Be Brave Enough To Acknowledge When Something Is Not Working When Leading
As an accountant or professional you like to get things right. And of course this important.
When you move into leading things are a little different. There’s a lot less certainty.
You make decisions that you expect to move things forward. Sometimes they will, sometimes they won’t. That’s just the way it is.
When you read books on leadership, especially those about successful leaders, you can fall into a trap of believing everything they do works out perfectly.
Of course it’s never like that in reality. More than likely they have had just as many if not more setbacks than successes.
It’s really easy to list all the qualities and skills leaders need.
One that’s vital and not mentioned enough is the importance of being brave enough to acknowledge when something is not working when you are leading.
Why is it so difficult to acknowledge when something is not working?
You could probably come up with a whole host of reasons. I believe the number 1 reason is that you worry about losing face.
After all you probably were sure that this was the right way to go.
What’s the benefit of being brave enough to acknowledge when something is not working?
You stand out
Fewer are willing to acknowledge when something is not working. So you instantly stand out.
You make it easier for others
If the leader is willing to acknowledge that things don’t always go to plan it makes it easier for others to do the same.
You re-focus
They say insanity is doing the same things and expecting different results. When you acknowledge something is not working you can change and re-focus.
You earn trust, respect and confidence
Of others in the organisation, function or team. Why? Because you show a huge level of self awareness.
So ask yourself:
- How ready are you to acknowledge when something is not working?
- How ready are you to let go of what is not working and re-focus on what will get a better outcome?
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.