By now, we have all been bombarded with media reports and personal opinions on the Phil Robertson "thing", and this post isn't meant to, in any way, address the man or his views. After all, The Wick isn't about politics or religion. It's about leadership and personal excellence. But I feel there is a "Wick Style" lesson in the events of the past few weeks as they relate to those of us tasked with leading change.
You see, true, positive and lasting change can never be achieved through criticism, command or negativity. Let me say that again.
True, positive, and lasting change can NEVER be achieved through criticism, command or negativity.
Think about it. What motivates you? Is it the threat of punishment or the promise of reward? When we tell others how bad they are, how ineffective they are, or how disappointing they are, nine times out of ten they begin by becoming angry and finish by tuning us out completely. In fact, the only people who are typically inspired by a negative rant are those that agreed with you to begin with. And that’s not called leadership. That’s called preaching to the choir.
Regardless of the change you are hoping to achieve in your home, organization or community, you must be prepared to present a vision to others that is inspiring. People must believe that where you are asking them to go is a better and more satisfying place than where they are now. In short, you must persuade in order to lead. In the words of the late Nelson Mandela, “Don’t raise your voice; improve your argument”.
Are you leading a positive, persuasive, and inspiring campaign for change?
