Is there ever a time to be restless, and it be a good thing? One of the greatest lessons that I have learned in leadership is that the time for a leader to be the most restless is when things are at their best. Seems counter intuitive at first…give it some thought.
When all is well and everything is clicking, this is a time where you are at the highest risk of complacency. I was on a great leadership team that used the analogy that high water covers dangers lying just beneath the surface. Another risk and reason to be restless when things are going great is that many organizations begin to take less risks and become inwardly focused. They loose the edge that brought them success in the first place.
How can we as leaders stay restless? Here are a few thoughts.
- Always have a vision that compels the organization forward. If you ever get to the place where you have enough resources to accomplish your vision, your vision just isn’t big and bold enough.
- Introduce a little “stretch” into the equation. Give yourself and your team a BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal). Take an intentional risk.
- Force yourself as a leader to spend some time in the details. Root out edges that are being missed that could result in much larger challenges in the future.
- Lastly, reflect on all the things that you are thankful for. This helps keep us humble as leaders. Take it a step further, stretch yourself to go the extra mile in thanking those who are responsible for your current success.
If your organization is blessed with success right now, get restless!
John C. Bain 