As Henry Ford famously said, “You cannot build a reputation on what you are going to do.” If there is one irrefutable test of a leader, it is the results he or she produces.
Intent without action is daydreaming. People who act as leaders couple their beliefs to their behavior. They get results. I’ve coined a term to describe what people who act successfully as leaders do: I call it visioning. “Visionary Leaders” are those who see the grand view of the future and are able to articulate that vision eloquently to inspire those below them.
Taking action without the proper consideration is risky, even dangerous. But an equal risk arises when you overstudy a situation rather than doing something about it. It is true that when you act, you may fail. It is also true that if you don’t act, you’ll never fail—but of course, you’ll never achieve anything worthwhile either.
Leadership Action Points:
- Don’t let resistance stop you
Whenever you seek to make changes, you will encounter resistance. While it is important to listen to what others have to say, at times you simply have to make a decision and move forward despite your objections.
- Act Boldly
You don’t want to come across as cocky or arrogant. But leaders who know what they stand for and what is important to them act with confident. What areas of your life can you infuse with boldness?