By Chris Swistro
What's stopping you or your organization from getting to the next level? Is it the habitual belief that things can't change from what they are? That rules, traditions, biases, a power bigger than you are won't allow it? That you don't have a mandate to make something different happen?
Workload, time, and budget pressures can rob us of our ability to see our options clearly. Over time, it can seem easier simply to stick with the status quo - no matter how frustrating or non-productive - rather than envisioning a better way (of working, of living) and going after it. But what appears impossible is an illusion, and as organizational leaders, we must see through the illusion to the possibilities beyond. And there are examples all around us to light our path.
Take the story of Irena Sendler, a young Catholic social worker in Warsaw during the Nazi occupation. As Jewish parents were deported to the camps, Sendler resolved to save their children. In the face of extraordinary obstacles and unrelenting danger, Sendler built an extensive, invisible network of supporters - mostly young women - who helped her smuggle these orphans out of the ghetto and hide them through the war. Sendler's actions - against impossible odds - saved the lives of thousands of children.
Documentary filmmaker Mary Skinner, the daughter of a Warsaw war orphan, made her own set of courageous choices to bring Irena Sendler's story to the world. Mary devoted 10 years to making her documentary "Irena Sendler: In The Name Of Their Mothers," navigating government bureaucracy and cultural obstacles, insufficient financial resources, political difficulties, and the pressure of time (Sendler was in her 90s when Mary was making her film) in order to attain her vision. Taking a step back, we can see that Mary's challenges are not unlike those found in many large, complex organizations.
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How are Irena Sendler and Mary Skinner different? They are different only in that they decided to take action on something they thought was important, irrespective of the risks. When they saw obstacles in front of them, they worked to find a way around.
What's stopping you?
Evaluate your goals, identify the perceived obstacles in your way, and then motivate yourself and your team to push beyond the urge to stop. Is necessary change as risky as you think it is? What outcome would make it worth running that risk? How can you manage the risk well enough to move forward?
Thankfully, most of us are not being asked to risk our lives on the job, but sometimes we act as if we are. Be bold! Take inspiration from Irena Sendler and Mary Skinner, and if action needs to be taken, take it!
Watch the national PBS broadcast of "Irena Sendler: In The Name Of Their Mothers" at 10 p.m. on Sunday, May 1, 2011.