“For us, someone who is willing to step forward and help is much more courageous than someone who is merely fulfilling the role.”
Margaret J Wheatley

Now there are many more famous and inspiring quotes out there but this one struck accord with me. I am currently the Chairperson of the Body Corporate committee for the complex I live in. Sadly it’s a leaky building and we’ve had a very expensive, drawn out saga over the past 6 years, (which still continues) and has heavily impacted the lives and wellbeing of all the owners.

What stands out for me more than anything when I read that quote is the contrast in our situation of the extraordinary everyday efforts to help of some, and the supremely ordinary role fulfilment of others.

Case in point, the builders we use to do various remedial works on the complex have a Project Manager who demonstrates the type of courage I think this quote points to. Every issue that comes up seems to subscribe to Murphy’s law so a number of different approaches have been required, each needing different specs, quotes, discussions, etc. Brian always makes himself available, goes out of his way to provide timely quotes (in some instances I’ve had to ask for 3 different ones for the same job because of other issues). He never complains, he agrees to and meets deadlines for which he doesn’t always have time or immediate resources, he goes above and beyond to find cheaper, practicable solutions to our problems and the quality and pricing of the work done is excellent. Even on days when I know I’ve been demanding and pushy he maintains a smile and does his utmost. The difference this makes in my experience, attitude and interactions is enormous.

Contrast this with some of the biggest frustrations I have which come back to people seemingly going out of their way to be unhelpful. It may be their job to provide us with bad news or enforce regulatory conditions but no input, no assistance, no effort and no empathy = no courage in my world. I know they have a job to do and that it’s important but just fulfilling the role doesn’t always get it done. The way it’s executed (the intent, the tone, the interaction) and the help they provide along the way (or not) make all the difference.

So bring on more of the people with everday courage to help and truly provide service – I know it’s certainly made me think about how I deliver and make sure that I’m not just fulfilling a role.

The struggle to cope with change, at least from a personal perspective, seems to be an ongoing battle for most people I know at the moment. It does however offer us the opportunity to look for other ways of doing things and reflecting on the way we see our world.

I’m currently reading Robert E Quinn’s book “Deep Change – Discovering the Leader Within” and two concepts have leapt out at me so far as really useful for all of us struggling through change.

1. Walking Naked Into the Land of Uncertainty

Apart from the smile I get with that mental picture (not entirely pretty I have to admit), I think he’s hit the nail on the head in terms of how most people feel when faced with major upheaval that requires them to think, behave and often be completely different. It can make us feel vulnerable, alone, in an uncharted place where nothing is solid or familiar.

I found this resonated strongly with me and it seems surprisingly comforting. Perhaps it’s in the implication that it is a journey (an heroic one at that) and that the landscape and situation will continue to evolve and change. We’re not stuck here forever, we will get through it, and others are going through the same thing so we’re not alone.

2. Getting Lost With Confidence

This second idea describes those who have experienced deep change often enough to reflect on, learn from and understand the process. They understand that “walking naked into the land of uncertainty” allows them to learn in a different way – not learning based on what is already there, but in a way that discovers what they’ll need to create a new future. The confidence comes from the faith that they can learn their way into the emerging world, whatever it may look like. How cool is that?

So, for any leader making their way through personal or organisational change, make your next naked walk into unknown territory a confident one ;o)