When faced with a challenging decision, do you rise to the occasion, trusting in your ability to make a significant and resounding impact? Or withdraw to your comfort zone, opting for the path that minimises disruption?
I believe many business leaders feel conflicted by the very words big and bold, associating them with ruthless or inauthentic business owners who love being under the spotlight. In reality, it’s about being willing to adapt, diversify and embrace change, making decisions that might not be the most popular, and being brave enough to stand by them.
Difficult decisions come with the territory, so why do so many leaders find themselves hesitating at crucial moments? How can you adopt a 'big and bold' mindset, and what benefits will you see by doing so?
The Fear Behind the Facade
At the core of this hesitancy lies fear. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and fear of conflict. These fears can be paralysing, leading even the most seasoned leaders to opt for the safety of the status quo rather than risk the potential fallout of a bold decision that doesn’t pay off.
It often stems from a lack of confidence in one's ability to handle the consequences of an action, or from a misconception that maintaining harmony requires avoiding tough decisions. However, avoiding these big moments can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities. As a leader, your role is to navigate your team through uncertainty and make decisions that drive them and the business forward.
Challenging economic times bring examples of ‘big and bold’ leadership sharply into focus. For every pub that closed its doors when energy prices spiralled out of control, another was turning up the heat, opening all day and offering a warm space, food and drink to vulnerable people in fuel poverty.
Accept your fate
So what do you need to do to emerge from your comfort zone and start thinking boldly? Brian Tracy’s advice in The Psychology of Achievement still resonates with me, years after I first read it:
Ask yourself ‘What’s the worst that could happen?’
Resolve to accept it, should it occur.
Now stop worrying, and move forward with all the creative things you could do to prevent the worst happening.
Forging ahead
If you’ve been firmly planted in your comfort zone for a while, it will take courage, as well as practice, to transform your leadership style. Here are seven tips to help you embrace that 'big and bold' approach:
Embrace risk: Recognise that risk is an inherent part of growth and innovation and accept that you can’t eliminate it altogether. Assess risks intelligently, considering both the potential upsides and downsides.
Cultivate self-awareness: Reflect on your decision-making patterns and identify what holds you back. Are you more concerned about being liked than being effective? Recognising your triggers can help you make more balanced decisions.
Avoid the comfort zone: Be honest with yourself. Whenever the opportunity arises, challenge yourself to make the bold decision, rather than the one that creates the fewest ripples.
Build resilience: Develop your ability to bounce back from setbacks. View failures as learning opportunities and remember that resilience is built through facing up to challenges and overcoming them.
Reward boldness: Establish a team culture where open debate is encouraged, and bold action is rewarded. Be open and transparent with your team and expect the same from them.
Lead by example: Embody the qualities of bold leadership in action. That means understanding your objectives, identifying changes you need to implement, and engaging your team to deliver solutions collaboratively.
Communicate effectively: Develop and hone clear, assertive communication skills. Practice articulating your vision and explaining your decisions with confidence to inspire and motivate your team.
Transitioning to a 'big and bold' leadership style is a journey of personal and professional growth. It requires confronting your fears, stepping out of your comfort zone, and embracing the challenges that come with impactful leadership. By committing to self-improvement and seeking support when you need it, you can look forward to leading with confidence and decisiveness.
Remember, big and bold isn't about recklessness or aggression; it's about being courageous, making informed decisions, and standing firm in the face of challenges. As a leader, your ability to embrace this mindset can inspire your team and drive your organisation to new heights.
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