Author: Dave Guerra

Categories
Change Leadership

on Niccolò Machiavelli #4

“It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things.” – Niccolò Machiavelli

Niccolo Machiavelli

Imitating change is always the most difficult thing a leader can do. A leader, in any organization, has spent time, energy and resources to become the leader, to become someone people trust and want to follow. Then when changes must occur it is almost as if she has to start all over again.

Then comes the uncertainty of how will the change(s) be accepted. Will people buy into the change? Will they come along willingly or will they come kicking and screaming?

An organization that prefers to have their employees come along willingly for the ride as opposed to being herded like cattle to slaughter will do everything in its power to minimize the push back and increase the buy in.

Whether a company does a little or a lot to increase the buy in to any change there will still be resistance. It is expected. As I mentioned, increase the buy-in before implementing change and things will not be as bad when the time comes.

Fail to communicate properly to your followers about the coming change(s) then you get what you rightfully deserve.

I would love to read your feedback. Please leave comment.

Thank you.
– David G. Guerra

Categories
Decisionmaking Leadership

on Niccolò Machiavelli #3

“All courses of action are risky, so prudence is not in avoiding danger (it’s impossible), but calculating risk and acting decisively.” – Niccolò Machiavelli

Thinking before acting is obviously the best course of action no matter what the situation is or will be. Much like the OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) loop I included in The Walking Leader (Rule #11 Correct on the Spot), Machiavelli tell us if we are in any situation where action must be taken, it is wise to calculate the associated risks, form a plan, then act swiftly.

The ability to pause, think, then act is essential in any situation, especially if danger is involved (or not involved). Take your time and act appropriately, of course if the situation is an emergency situation then it’s all hands on deck until the emergency subsides.

Make a decision, take action, move forward, but don’t avoid. Never avoid.

 

Categories
Leadership Motivation

on Niccolò Machiavelli #2

“Without an opportunity, their abilities would have been wasted, and without their abilities, the opportunity would have arisen in vain.”  – Niccolò Machiavelli

I wrote about this a while back about exploiting opportunities. In the line above, Machiavelli expounds on the fact that everyone must be ready for when opportunity comes knocking.

The problem and the blessing is that no one knows when opportunity will actually knock. Sometimes, there are signs that things are about to happen but for the most part we never know when it will happen. That is why we must be prepared to exploit those opportunities when they arrive.

While I don’t believe that opportunity only knocks once. I do believe that every time it knocks and we don’t answer it just takes that much longer for the next opportunity to come knocking again.

On the other hand, what if you are ready but opportunity never comes a calling?

This one is easy. Get yourself ready then get out there and show the world you are ready.