September 26, 2011
Meaning: Recent times make it clear we live in the midst of uncertainty. Such uncertainty may tempt us to “play it safe” or to “wait and see” what will happen. Yet hesitating stands in direct contrast to being bold, or acting on your strong drive for leadership results. Great leaders don’t let external circumstances dampen their drive. General Electric under Jack Welch even had a leadership competency, simply called “Edge.” It meant always looking for ways to improve, win customers, survive and thrive. Did you know that the Chinese word for crisis – weiji – is made up of two characters: danger plus opportunity? A leader’s job is to constantly find, make and seize opportunities – even more so in a sometimes dangerous, uncertain world!
Ideas for Action: In the late 1920s, two companies – Post and Kellogg – dominated the emerging market for pre-packaged, ready-to-eat cereal. Then, the Depression hit. Post did the apparent sensible thing: It cut expenses and reduced its advertising. But Kellogg – in a move now taught in business schools nationwide – doubled its ad budget, pushed into radio advertising, and heavily marketed its new cereal, Rice Krispies. By 1933, Kellogg profits had risen nearly 30 percent and the cereal maker permanently surged past Post for market dominance. What will history say when it looks back on the moves your organization is making now?
Here’s a historical example about individual leadership with an “edge”: During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln replaced the popular but ineffectual Gen. George McClellan as leader of the Union Army with Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, who eventually overcame multiple battle losses to win the war. When questioned early on about his selection of Grant, Lincoln simply explained, “He fights.”
Results-driven leaders like Grant not only demonstrate their own personal drive to accomplish their goals, but also instill a sense of passion in others to achieve them. Are you leading with a sense of urgency and an edge? If so, don’t simply assume that others will see your great example and copy you! Urgency might sometimes be contagious, but it often needs a boost. Think carefully how you help others keep their edge in times of uncertainty, and always look for the next opportunity.
Set aggressive goals and timelines for your team while making sure the goals also pass the “realistic” test. Solicit early feedback from team members on the potential barriers to success, as well as resources needed. Create contingency plans and intervene when necessary.
Convene your team and brainstorm about opportunities. What have you, individually or collectively, been hesitant to do? Keep tabs on your competitors; what moves do you see them making? Stay close to your customers – how can you help them weather any storms they are facing? Look for examples of how other organizations have created or seized opportunities. Ask: “How can we do that here?”
Recognize that taking advantage of opportunities requires hard work; opportunities won’t just fall in your lap. I particularly like this quote about opportunity from the prolific inventor, Thomas Edison: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
Find your edge in the midst of uncertainty. The opportunity is there for the taking.
Best regards,
Sandra Davis, CEO