by What our goal is at any given time drives us forward. We land on our goal by identifying an opportunity for improvement, a need to become better. Goal-setting is no easy task. It means challenging norms, being reasonable in setting expectations and following up to make sure we remain focused and monitor progress.
Setting a goal is important, but it is not enough. As part of the process, the “how” is as critical, even more so, than the “what.” How we pursue what we are striving for matters. Do we play by the rules? Do we show respect for others? Are we professional? Do we work to attenuate disruption and needless, non-value-added drama and distractions?
No doubt there are leaders who enjoy creating chaos and disruption. They may even see it as an opportunity to swoop in and be the hero. This is that “create a crisis, then solve it” mentality. It also demonstrates to themselves the power they have to create chaos, to inflict discomfort and to be the center of attention. For the power-focused leader, this is just what the doctor ordered. This bolsters their self-worth in their own mind — not so much in the mind of others. This is their personal Noise.
Part of being a great leader is eliminating our personal Noise — those things that interfere with us being our best and becoming better. Without our Noise, we achieve the goal more effectively and efficiently. However, if we let the “what” become the exclusive consideration at the expense of the “how,” watch out. We end up sowing the seeds for a healthy crop of negative unintended consequences. This creates otherwise unnecessary effort and interferes with achieving the goal.
We can all think of times when the goal made sense even if one didn’t totally agree with it, but the chosen path for achieving it disappointed. Two high-profile examples: Politics aside, deciding to get our country out of Afghanistan was a noble goal in the mind of many. However, the actual withdrawal ended tragically no matter how much leaders professed that it was an “extraordinary success.”
Another high-profile example we are living through now is the tariff situation. Identifying the unfairness of the present system and setting a goal to make it more equitable makes sense. However, the chaos that has ensued during the rollout has created unnecessary upset and wasted time and effort for too many to count. Leadership operating in a seemingly alternate reality as they defend/rationalize their methods only makes it worse and undermines confidence. The “how” matters.
Power can be intoxicating. It can be ego-enhancing. It can delude. It can make things worse than they would otherwise be if it is solely at the rudder. It can divorce us from the values that really matter: truth, respect, fairness, compassion, logic, competence and more.
Having power is a responsibility. An awesome responsibility. How we use it matters. How we lead matters. How we treat others matters.
How we make decisions matters. How we achieve our goal matters.
It is not easy to lead. It is not easy to be honest about what is happening. It is not easy to listen and be open to opposing views. Learning requires that we see things as they really are — no delusions allowed. How do we become better leaders if we do not learn? How do we make better decisions if we do not learn?
Focus on the “what.” Focus as much or more on the “how.” We will be better for it. The process will be better for it. The result will be better for it.
More to come.
Eric Easter is CEO of Indianapolis-based Kittle’s Furniture.
