Achieved Strategies

A mark of a great leader is when she can adeptly shift from doing what she wants to doing what’s needed.

The difference between doing what one wants versus what’s needed is in the awareness of grace and the discipline of timing.

Discipline of timing

Let’s look at an extreme example showing a lack of timing discipline. I worked with a senior manager who was focused on bringing in a new accounting system. She was politically savvy and swift in action to build her coalition of support for the new system. She wanted it for a host of reasons, one of which was to prove herself. She was a new executive. The only problem was the organization wasn’t ready. Her project was needed; however, the timing was wrong.
The manager ignored evidence from senior analysts that more internal structures needed to be vetted and in place before a large investment for a new system should be brought in.

Her want for a new system eclipsed prudent decision making. She weaved together a picture of great timing. The picture was what she wanted people to see.

Another nuance was her ability to convince other executives for the accounting system. They, too, wanted a new accounting system and accepted her carefully crafted position.

Awareness of grace

Cueing off my example and heading the opposite direction is awareness of grace. Grace is experienced in how you come upon people and situations. The “how” is fundamental.

At the heart of “how” with grace is compassion and consideration.

• Compassion for people
• Consideration for others’ needs

Being at odds with what you want requires a cultivated approach to leadership. Instead of doing what you want, you ask yourself “Is this what’s needed now?” Evaluate what you want through the lenses of compassion and consideration.

To gracefully back away from what you want because the timing is wrong is a mark of a great leader.