…asks the helpful critic.
Why has this project lost its mojo?
Why aren’t we wowing our customers?
Why do we keep missing our deadlines?
Why hasn’t the tough decision been taken?
Why aren’t we getting to the heart of the issue?
Good to raise the question. Much better, though, to realize that every single one of these questions offers an opportunity for leadership with a big and small “L.”
Leadership is not about authority or seniority or permission. It is about stepping up, taking the risk that others won’t, taking a point of view, putting yourself on the line. It’s about saying the things you wish someone else (your boss, your colleague, the young new member of your team) would say. It’s about grabbing the agenda, or ending the meeting early, or even walking with a new sense of purpose. It’s about changing something in your own behavior in a way that shifts the structures and the attitudes of everyone around you.
We know you’re smart enough to ask the tough questions. What we need more of is the courage to lead.
