Greetings!
The above quote is a fun observation about a serious topic. Change is one of the perennial imperatives of any organization and places a constant challenge and demand on its leaders. While change may be unavoidable, it's not always by our choosing and not always for the good. As a CEO, driving positive change requires a combination of vision, leadership skills and often courage to face the uncertainties that all changes bring. The situation that has unfolded before the world in Egypt over these recent days is proof that willful change of almost any magnitude is possible. With organized determination and a strong belief in what is right, people can achieve extraordinary results. As leaders we need to remember this and remind ourselves that change happens within the organization and by the organization. As leaders our role is to make visible a vision for the future, demonstrate the behaviors that support the change we want to see and provide the guidance needed to support that vision. We also must also provide the resources and the credit due to those who do the heavy lifting, because change may be inevitable, but it's not typically easy. Author Karen Kaiser Clark wrote, "Change is inevitable. Growth is optional. Choose Wisely." This quote is often applied to self-help and personal motivation, but is particularly relevant to business leadership. Many CEOs I have worked with complain about different aspects their companies or are dissatisfied with the status quo and general performance of their business. We know we want "change" but are uncertain if it will lead to growth - or if we can even survive the risks we perceive to be necessary.It can be specific employees, entire departments or the general culture of the organization. They can all tell me what they want to see change -but act as if they are helpless to make it happen. I am always amazed by this - but not surprised - as I was a CEO with the same complaints myself. I always explain that one of few truly great things about being CEO is that you can change whatever you want to. If you are both CEO and the owner, you can change anything and everything; even sell or just close the business and walk away if you like. So what holds you back? It's usually fear. In fact, We Edward Deming wrote "it is the obligation of management to drive fear out of the company." Larry and Hersch Wilson write about this in their book "Play to Win!"( See below for more details) and describe that there are four fatal fears in leadership: fear of being wrong, fear of failure, fear of personal rejection or just fear of being emotionally uncomfortable. Some of need to feel successful, be right, be liked and accepted, or just hold onto the status quo - even if it makes us miserable. You can look in the mirror to solve this. Ask yourself what really is holding you back from making the decisions that you need to. You might find that you would benefit from a professional business coach, someone who understands what it's like to walk in your shoes and have to make the kinds of decisions you face on a regular basis. Or you may want to consider an executive peer group: a place where you can get honest feedback about yourself and your leadership, get guidance from people who are facing the same issues as you give you the push you need to make tough decisions and then help hold you accountable to seeing them through. Change may be inevitable, but leading positive change and driving growth often requires a movement and the courage to take and manage the risks. It is unclear what the changes in Egypt will truly bring. Most of the world shares the people of Egypt's hope for real democracy. But in the vacuum of power, we know that anything can happen. I am certain, however, that those who believe in and fought for the change - are more than willing to take that risk. As always, wishing you a great and successful week ahead. 
Philip R. Liebman Managing Director, Strat 4 Group Chair, Vistage International P.S. Last week I mentioned the Vistage NJ All Cities CEO Conference on March 8th. This is an exclusive, member-only event that will be attended by more than 100 CEOs from the region. We have created an opportunity for a select group of invited guests to attend. There is a strict limit on the number of guests that may attend, and invitations are available only to CEOs that qualify for Vistage membership and are interested in learning more about the benefits of being considered for membership. Please contact me right away if you would like an invitation to attend as my guest. .
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