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RESEARCH, ANALYSIS & TRENDS

Not ticking anyone off? Then you just

aren’t trying hard enough!

When was the last time you really offended someone ence between taking people where they ought to go as
at work? If you are a leader and your answer was compared to where they believe they want to go.
‘never’, you may want to rethink your job title. After
all, American statesman and retired four-star general The majority doesn’t have the best track record
in the US Army Colin Powell had a point when he
said, “being responsible sometimes means pissing Let’s face it, the majority is often complacent. Looking
people off.” down the halls of human history, many of our finest mo-
ments were forged in spite of the crowds and status
Of course, we’re not saying that if you’re a jerk, you’ll do quo. If it were a matter of conformance, the world would
great things. Quite the contrary. But we are suggesting still be flat; women would still be unable to vote; and
the flip side of that equation – that if you’re never willing South Africa may have started a post-apartheid civil
to make unpopular choices, there is the possibility you war. Liberation movements and step changes in busi-
won’t do anything transformative in your career. Be- ness may be carried out by many, but they’re almost
cause let’s face it, most meaningful achievements proba- always captained by the few. It takes a Joan of Arc and
bly required a fight to get there. a Steve Jobs to go out swinging before others follow.

The mark of a visionary leader is someone who’s not If you’re too busy trying to get everyone to like your
swayed off track when thumbs-up go swiftly south. Try- ideas, you’ll probably end up cornering your product
ing to remain popular can all too often stand in the way into a stalemate, or to the point of being impotent and
of being effective. If you want to leave a legacy, you ineffective. The more impact you have, the more alone
have to be willing to take the heat. Otherwise, you’ll nev- you’re likely to feel, because leadership requires a con-
er shape anything that can outlast the fads. It’s the differ- sistent stride in front.
18 November 2017 - Email Marketing & Lead Management