Wise Leaders Never Assume

By Richard Brody

The wisest leaders are those that realize that there are never any guarantees in leadership, and that even the best planned, perceived, conceived, and productive actions may still not accomplish what they are intended and hoped to do. Effective and meaningful leadership means eliminating any tendency towards prejudgment, remaining open to alternatives, planning for contingencies, being flexible in approach while maintaining essential goals, and the realization, as Yogi Berra was quoted as saying, "It's not over until it's over." We have all heard the variety of cute variations on the meaning of the word assume, but the most essential thing for any leader to realize is that they must understand that regardless of how well intentioned they may be, and even how good their ideas might be, it is essential to understand that leadership is a fluid and constantly adjusting circumstance, and only those that can lead in a fluid situation, are capable of wisely leading any organization.

1. Wise leadership is not about simply creating a plan, and then never adjusting to circumstances or changing conditions. There are always certain circumstances that do not go according to a preliminary plan, and it is the ability to adjust to contingencies that distinguish wise leaders from others. When planning is done effectively, it includes preparation for unexpected things, and creating multiple backup plans, in order to potentiate maximum readiness for any eventuality.

2. Far too often, individuals in positions of leadership create the greatest obstacle to their own success, because they begin by basing their plans on prejudgment and seem unwilling to accept and anticipate alternatives. These plans must be flexible enough to be able to adjust as necessary, while not sacrificing their ideals, long term vision or most important goals, etc. How does that leader handle the variations that occur throughout their tenure, and are they prepared, or do they become frustrated and inhibited by these changes? Wise leaders must possess the positive attitude and approach to consistently move forward, despite any eventuality that might present obstacles or challenges.

When a leader permits his assumptions to control his judgments and actions, he weakens his potential, creates more challenges than necessary, and wastes time in non- productive activities, rather than seamlessly moving forward with a backup plan when that course of action is called for. Perhaps this is one of the major factors that explain why so few leaders seem to exhibit consistent wisdom. If you wish to be a great leader, begin by expanding your comfort zone, be more willing to accept and anticipate obstacles and challenges, and act rather than merely reacting.

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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All Leaders Make Mistakes, But Great Ones Admit And Correct Them

 

By Richard Brody

Far too many individuals view those in positions of leadership as either super - humans, often expecting or anticipating perfection from these people. However, the reality is that they are merely human with the same flaws, imperfections, insecurities, challenges and concerns that the rest of us have. True leaders will always make some mistakes, because only those that do nothing avoid making errors (although even they make errors of omission or procrastination), and in order to be a real leader, one must make timely decisions and take timely action. Therefore, it is not that a great leader will be mistake - free, but rather he admits them and immediately takes action to address and correct them.

1. One of the basic rules of effective leadership is never about perfection or even believing that one can be perfect (although the great ones will always strive for the best result possible), but rather how one handles things that might go wrong (or at least not as desired or wanted), and reacts and leads others to move on in a constructive, meaningful manner. Far too many individuals who ascend to positions of leadership behave in a thin - skinned manner, often overreacting when they are challenged by others, or by negative circumstances. Great leadership is about addressing needs, motivating others, and providing value to their constituents, and other stakeholders. True leaders remain above the fray, making certain that their egos are kept under control, and that they remain capable of understanding that is both possible and probable that at one point or another, they will be prone to making some mistakes.

2. True leaders keep their heads when others often lose theirs! They realize that they are not always right, although they pursue gathering as much information, knowledge, learning and wisdom as they can, so that their level of expertise is far above most others. A great leader creates a plan based on his vision for his organization, creating meaningful goals, an action plan, and attempts to motivate others to share his vision. These plans must be comprehensive in nature, always examining multiple possibilities and/ or contingencies, and creating a number of backup plans to address the "what if's." By doing so, they realistically address that what one hopes for may not always be achieved on the first attempt, and one of the signs of greatness is maintaining the persistence and patience to pursue goals, rather than prioritizing their own vanity.

Leaders make mistakes, as do all of us. It is the great ones that address them promptly and remain on track to accomplish the overall goals in a productive manner.

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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