The Ability to Move Forward

Perhaps you are frustrated because your team is stuck.   Immovable, can't innovate, can't think beyond the current. . .stuck, stuck, stuck.

Perhaps worse yet - they want to go back in time:  "why can't we do things the way we used to?"

Here's the truism:    moving forward is an expression of faith.   People, teams, organizations that move forward do so with the absolute belief that they are doing something better.  They believe that they can create and innovate not only to deliver a superior product or service, but to improve their satisfaction at work.

How  is that forward-looking faith built?

First of all, learn from the past, don't try to repeat it.   The idea of "going back in time" or even "trying to keep things just the way they are," is folly.  The very nature of life is that we move forward.   People need to not only be reassured that we cannot go back in time, but that to try to just repeat yesterday's successes doesn't leverage the opportunities that are presented today and tomorrow.  Be a progressive team.

Build an organization that allows people to take risks.   This starts at the very top  with the idea that we don't have to be right all of the time - it's okay to be wrong as long as we seek a better answer.   It is good to build strong solutions from teams, not from a solo point of view.  Giving input should be a welcomed initiative in a workplace that values a diversity of thought and talents.

Reassure and coach team members.   To move forward, each one of us needs assurance.   We need to fully realize that what has been built in the past, generally, is a good foundation for the future.   We need to recognize that while fear moves us backward, the embrace of good work and better lives moves us forward.   Encourage people by listening; reassure them by offering constructive criticism, praise and the guidance that a multi-dimensional view of the world provides.

Most of all, be willing to move forward as a leader - people cannot follow if they don't know where you are going.

It is true, faith is the act of moving forward.

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My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available on Amazon Kindle.