Great Leaders Don’t Kick Field Goals

It’s 4th and 2 from the 2 yard line.  Do you go for it and score, or, do you play it safe and kick a field goal for the tie?  Both decisions have outcomes.

One is safe and comfortable, play not to lose.  The status quo.  The other risky but you learn something.  You make a difference.  You win even though you risk losing.

Leading Not To Lose – Playing It Safe

Do you lead for the tie?  It’s a good decision but all you can do is tie.  You don’t win.   It’s a no win decision.  It’s a safe way to lead.  Don’t disrupt anything.  Don’t challenge anyone.  “Play it safe” and lead to tie.

Or, do you lead to win.  Two yards.  That’s it.  Cross the goal line.  Lead to win.  Will you get more job security?  No, is there any?  Will you learn and grow?  Yes!  Will you win even though you risk losing? Yes!

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Keep Things The Way They Are

When you lead to tie, you are saying things are fine the way they are.  Why do things different?  We’ve always operated this way.  Kick the field goal.  Be content where you are.

What if you lead to win and don’t make it?  What will your boss think?  What will the market think?  What if Apple settled for the tie?  What about Chick-fil-A?  All great organizations lead to win!  They cross the goal line or run the play.  The field goal is not an option.

Leading to win drives change.  It guarantees growth.  It means a tie isn’t good enough.  It tells the competition you are going to act.  You don’t and won’t “play not to lose.”

Failure Wins

If you lead not to lose, you lose.  Why?  You forgo the growth and learning of the loss.  When you play for the tie, you play not to lose.  You can’t cross the organizational goal line, whatever it is.  You don’t give yourself a chance.  The best outcome is a tie when you kick the field goal!

Leaders who lead to win go for it.  They stare down the two yards.  If you want what you’ve never had, there’s only one decision.  Call the play.

Go for it!  Learn how to fail! Grow through the experience.  Let someone else kick the field goal and play for the tie.  You can’t own the market when you play for the tie.

Don’t Kick The Field Goal

The New Year will present many opportunities to lead and decide.  You get to choose.  Lead not to lose and play it safe.  Or, lead to win.  A tie is safe, predictable, easy and pleases the fans.  Holds down your job for another game.

Leading to win involves risk.  A calculated risk.  Gather all the information you need to make a great decision.  Be intuitive but informed.

It’s 4th and 2.  What’s your decision?  Run the play or kick the field goal?

Go for it!  Win and grow in losing.

What will you do in the upcoming year to make sure you lead to win?