Opportunities Lost: What Stops Us From Doing Something About What We See?

Everyone Leading…Could It Be So Simple?

No matter what level of an organization you work in, every day there are endless opportunities to take meaningful action. But what is the right time? What is the right side to take? What is the right approach? What if others disagree? All legitimate concerns. We’ve all been there, regretting not speaking up and not engaging, or even not talking to others to get some help in taking action. Maybe we were tired, too busy or legitimately afraid of failing.

Were you born to take action, or did you grow into the ability? We already know that the combination of knowing stuff (OK for purists…research and the sort), paying attention (noticing…intuition) and trying stuff (experience…we all have this…remember it started in kindergarten) is really all we need to see something worth leading. It’s true – everyone leads at something!

What if Nike has it right? What if we just need to “just do it”? Just show up, or speak out? What if leading is merely taking action, or taking a stance? It’s possible it is not so much an art or science, but the courage to just do the right thing. A provocative thought – simple hesitation may be the primary enemy of leadership.

When Are You Ready?

Leadership can’t be so simple as “just doing it,” right? What about all the preparation, all the training, all the skills listed in bullet point format in those books and articles? Of course, formal instruction will make you a better leader. You can also learn from others, reduce stupid mistakes, develop new skills and refine some old skills. But how will you truly know when you are really ready?

You won’t know. There is no simple test; there are no universal criteria. The opportunity will present itself and it will be up to you to take the risk. If you pay attention, notice and read each situation, you’ll see these moments as opportunities to do something meaningful – to demonstrate your leadership skills, even if temporarily hidden or denied.

Leadership is a Muscle – Use It More

It’s important to actively recall those times when you “just did  it” and showed up as the leader everyone needed. The size or impact of the action makes no difference…it is the memory of trying that opens the door to many more exciting and gratifying leadership opportunities for making a difference, getting things done. Leadership is a muscle that grows over time. What a pleasant surprise when you make a difference simply by taking action, whether you are in a position of authority or not.

Upon a few repetitions, patterns emerge about methods, tools, and techniques others use to get things done. You learn to apply those that seem the best fit for you. You may pick up some hints from books and articles, but the great value comes from the trying and doing—because now you are curious, believing, and interested in refinement. You are focused on things that will really make a difference.

Take note: this is a muscle that’s difficult to neglect. There’s no stopping the practice once you start. Leadership growth and effectiveness come from just doing it in evermore challenging and complex situations. When you notice stuff that needs doing and you cannot rest until it is done. When you reach this point and are about to tip over from the effort—you will realize you need to bring some of your colleagues along on this journey. Carefully look around you. There is likely at least one other person or organization that agrees with your viewpoint (usually many more than one agree but are unwilling to state their concurrence). Let them share in your leadership, and your days will become more fulfilling and less harrowing. Leadership is a team sport.