Many years ago, I had the pleasure of working closely with Wayne Hulley. In one of his keynote presentations, he began with some thought provoking statements. It certainly got the audience thinking and was an excellent “starter.” Since then, I’ve often used a similar format to help set the stage. Last week while working in northern Alberta, I began my workshop with some thought provoking statements and a short commentary on each. I know I can attribute number 2 directly to Wayne, while the others are statements, I’ve previously heard or edited for my liking along the way. Here they are:
- Change rarely happens on your preferred timetable!
- Wouldn’t life be so much better if the changes required happened when you wanted them to happen? The assumption so many change leaders make is that the change required will automatically improve the situation. Change is difficult, as we are asking people to move away from their norm. While the individual at the forefront of the change may see the many benefits, that is rarely the universal view. While change requires persistence, it also requires time, and it is seldom on the timetable you wish.
- When the horse dies, dismount! Don’t drag it!
- How often do we stick with something that hasn’t worked for a significant period of time? The horse has died but we just want to keep on dragging it with the belief it will miraculously revive itself and we will be back in the saddle again. When something consistently doesn’t work, we need to do something different. Albert Einstein’s famous quote, “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results” applies here. It is important to review all practices and ensure they are moving you forward and if not, just stop!
- The speed of trust and the depth of relationship will impact the pace of change!
- We’ve already established that change is difficult. The level of trust within an organization and the depth of relationships will always impact the pace of change. When there are strong relationships and a trusting environment, change can be accelerated. Without, there is an awful lot of feet dragging and for good reason. If you want change to be quickened, make sure trust and relationships are high.
- If you’re not vulnerable you can’t lead well!
- Unfortunately, so many leaders, especially political leaders, walk around with great bravado and people assume that is leadership. One of the most underrated leadership skills is the ability to be and show vulnerability. Brene Brown is masterful about talking about the importance of vulnerability in leadership and life in general. Her book should probably be part of every leadership course or at the very least a view of her TEDx talk should be mandated.
- Life happens whether you want it to or not!
- There may be a time that the sun doesn’t rise everyday but not now. Life happens and that is just how it is. While there may be many things that we can be proactive about, there are things that are out of our control. Deal within your circle of influence, because outside of our circle, is going to happen period!
- Until you look at your own behaviour and actions, don’t point fingers!
- So often we point a finger at someone or something without recognizing that we have three fingers pointing back at ourselves. We’ve really developed into a blame society and a sense that it is everybody else’s fault. What we need is more self leadership, which is about self awareness, self control and self reflection. There is no doubt people commit terrible acts against others and the blame is accurately aimed. But in many cases, reactions and re-behaviours are a result of our first action and behaviour. Be aware of your own behaviour and actions first.
- Positions are temporary. Ranks and titles are limited. But the way you treat people will always be remembered.
- There is probably no more important trait in leadership than the ability to foster effective relationships. The unfortunate part of this is that people think that being relational is a weakness and leads to poor and indecisive decisions. Relational people still make tough decisions, but they always do it with compassion and empathy. It is not about being friends but rather being friendly. Strong relational leaders will always be remembered fondly and likely will have been part of our directly led some of the greatest innovations in the organizations.
Sometimes it is important to “stir the pot” and allow participants to think outside of their own perceptions, opinions and beliefs. That is why some thought provoking statements can be an excellent opener for your next workshop or presentation.
