Your Leadership Link by Cullen S. Gibson, Vice President
Status Quo
The word status quo in Latin means the “mess we are in.” As leaders, most of us are guilty of accepting the status quo and we often look the other way. In fact, “non-status quo” leaders turn over old stones, pull old weeds, and water new plants.
Why do we accept the status quo as leaders?
- Fear: If I change the way we have always done this, it might upset the apple cart. My idea will not garner attention. If I stay busy, then I don’t have to come up with any changes.
- Flight: I will just tuck myself in my virtual office (literally, out of touch) and stay away from the crowd. I am not that great at influencing people so I will ask someone one else to do it. Or maybe I just do nothing at all. I am comfortable in my space.
- Fluff: I really want my colleagues to like me so I will do fun things to break up the day-to-day routines. But at the end of the day, the same problems and routines exist, and I find my “fluff” really didn’t help change anything, break new ground, or break old habits.
If you can relate to all of this let me share with you some “status quo busters.”
- Create Connectivity: Talk to people and get to know them. Conduct small meetings and “listen” to what they are saying. Leave them with a challenge.
- Create Conversation: Are you creating a “healthy buzz” about the things you want to change and the things you appreciate? Are you posting positive changes?
- Create Collaboration: We have all been inundated and taught the power of teamwork and “working together as a team.” But let me take this further. Do you have the right people on the team? Are they in the correct seat? Are your leaders invested? Do they feel valued? One negative and critical spirit on your leadership team will “kill” collaboration and teamwork.
Have a great week!