By Richard Brody
Especially as it relates to being a leader, there is sometimes a rather fine line between acting strategically, as compared to procrastinating. In both circumstances, individuals review, analyze, and consider circumstances, events, needs and alternatives, but it is what one does with the information he gathers that distinguishes between strategy and procrastination. While the procrastinator avoids true and meaningful planning, will often do nearly anything to avoid taking action (or even a strand), and almost never makes a significant decision, strategy means doing something about needs, creating an action plan, and then actually proceeding forward and taking meaningful action.
1. There is nearly nothing as toxic to effective leadership than procrastination! When someone in these positions refuses or is unable to act in a timely basis, he exposes his organization to often dire ramifications, that become more challenging and dangerous the longer action is delayed. In my over three decades of identifying, qualifying, training, and consulting to well over a thousand individuals in positions of leadership, I have never heard even one individual who admitted to procrastinating. Rather, these individuals almost invariably explain that delays are a necessary part of their strategy, and they are taking the time to plan, rather than procrastinating. However, unless this strategy includes creating a step - by - step plan, and then moving forward towards accomplishing their goals, the only strategy being performed is strategic procrastination!
2. Great leaders must be extraordinary strategic planners! Without aligning their vision with their goals, and their goals with their actions, and their actions with their plans, the potential for achievement becomes severely limited. How can you call yourself a leader is you do not lead? And, how can you possibly lead if you avoid controversy, refuse to take a stand, and continuously put off decisions and/ or essential activities and actions? It is important to understand that while someone should not behave impulsively, he needs the courage of his convictions, and must be willing to stand up for what he feels needs to be done, take a stand even if it may not be immediately popular, and lead by example. Greatness comes from accomplishment, and one will never achieve anything of a meaningful nature unless he is willing to take action in both a timely, as well as meaningful, carefully thought - out nature!
You are not being a strategic leader if all you aim for is developing a strategy to avoid taking action. Great leadership follows motivating others by one's attitude, actions, and methodologies.
Richard has owned businesses, been a COO, CEO, and Director of Development, as well as a consultant. He has professionally run events, consulted to over a thousand leaders, and conducted personal development seminars, for over 30 years. Rich has written three books and well over a thousand articles. His company, PLAN2LEAD, LLC has an informative website http://plan2lead.net and Plan2lead can also be followed on Facebook http://facebook.com/Plan2lead
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