Change almost always includes some form of resistance. Butterflies break through their cocoon in order to be free. Before birds can fly, they peck through their shell. Resistance can come in various shapes and sizes, and with change, leaders are promised a portion of resistance.
As a mom of three boys, I know all about superheroes, their superpowers, and their human names. These humans, each with their complicated backstory, morph into superheroes with powers that overcome incredible challenges.
Leaders are change-makers regardless of position or company. The influence a strong and equipped leader brings is a gift to the entire team. However, all too often higher-level leaders promote individuals based solely on performance. Team members are placed in positions of leadership yet have not been offered previous leadership training.
Since the beginning of time, the most strategic and victorious warriors have been those who choose to fight battles that are rooted in values.
Leadership can be like Jenga. If you remove the right piece, it can provide stability and balance. However, if the wrong piece is eliminated the whole stack can come crashing down. How do you know which piece to leave and which piece to eliminate?
It can be completely daunting and overwhelming to consider a new leadership position. Not always because it’s something unfamiliar or new; sometimes this fear is about our identity.
Hesitation can be deadly. Police officers and military service members spend a significant amount of time on training to overcome the deadly hesitation. It can make the difference between life and death not just for an individual, but for an entire group of people.
Values matter. Values represent our core being. As leaders, they reflect who we are personally, what we are willing to stand for, and what we are not. Values are our non-negotiables. Our communication, financial statements, our favorite songs and quotes, and how we spend our time are reflections of our values.
Kim Philby was a well-educated Englishman who studied at the most elite British schools. While studying as a college student, he became fascinated by communism. Then in the mid-1930s, Philby was recruited to become a spy for the Soviets.
I am not a history buff; however, I have grown to appreciate the stories behind the dates as I’ve gotten older. Recently I rewatched Band of Brothers, a miniseries about the Easy Company as they fought their way through World War II.