Many have become cowards … and it is taking a toll on the workplace …

"Surround yourself with the best people you can find, delegate authority, and don't interfere as long as the policy you've decided upon is being carried out."
— Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan said it right and you can differ in opinion, but many feel he did it right as President. Have the best people around you, tell them what is expected, and give them the authority – or empower then – to carry out the mission. Simply put and so true.

So – why do businesses struggle with this and why don’t they get the wisdom in empowering people.

Many managers are just cowards. If they empower and you do better than expected (and maybe better than them), they have no value. They protect themselves at the expense of company and their team. Sham – a pity. I see it everywhere. It is evidence that we need managers and leaders who have a spine, are not afraid to take risks who know that the secret to success is find the right people, motivate them, give them room to grow, define what you expect of them, and get the hell out of the way so they can do their jobs.

So why is this so prevalent in companies today – that inability to execute, to grow and to change:

• Is it lack of information – heck no; there is more information now than ever
• Is it lack of motivation – probably not.
• Is it FEAR – yes.

Fear in the workplace today has made companies who need to grow and change do the same over and over again. It is safer for the managers – they won’t put their necks out for fear of being chopped. It is easier and safer not to rock the boat – to go along and get by. The result – lack of leadership. People have become accustomed to not doing their best, but rather doing to get by and be safe.

You can define yourself as a leader by not being ruled by fear and doing the right thing – not always the safe thing. Sure – you may have to pay the price at some time but you will sleep better at night, be respected and be proud.

And that is what we need in today’s workplace – pride in doing the right thing – doing the job right – doing right for others.

And thank you for reading this.

Dan Moran
President & Founder
Next-Act
Career Management & Transition Specialists
125 Wolf Road, Suite #128
Albany, NY 12205
Office: 518-261-4212
Cell: 518-641-8968
eFax: 586-279-4212
dmoran@next-act.com
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