Strategic Leadership Can Be Very Uncomfortable
Last month, LeadershipNow reviewed The Crux: How Leaders Become Strategists by Richard Rumelt. This book is on my future reading list. Several points in the review confirm my belief that strategic leadership is often very uncomfortable. This is especially true when a dramatic change is needed. One reason for this is that business strategy affects many leaders who often have very different goals and perspectives. This newsletter has been through many drafts. The struggle was that I could not make my personal experience helping clients anonymous and protect privileged information. To explore this, I have decided to use the current debate on how to address gun violence. The challenge we face is an incredibly complex issue that needs exceptional strategic leaderchi8p. This topic will make some readers uncomfortable. Please do not read this in the context of your opinion on the subject; instead, focus on the problem and barriers we face.
The graphic above shows that the United States has a problem when compared to the rest of the world. Addressing the challenge requires many different groups to come together and begin the process of change. There have been calls for several specific actions in the media. These include banning assault rifles, improving mental health services, red flag laws, and strengthening our schools.
Proposals suggesting the new regulations or limitations are met with responses that they violate the Constitution. (The right to keep and bear arms is a constitutional privilege. Constitutional rights do come with limitations. Freedom of speech is guaranteed, but that freedom does not allow someone to slander another, threaten violence, or commit fraud.) Banning assault rifles and large magazines would limit the scope of shootings, but it will not prevent them. People intent on doing harm will do harm.
Proposals to improve mental health care are well-intentioned. There are no guidelines to identify people at risk or a means to force them into treatment. Private health care often has limitations on this type of care. Community care for the uninsured is poorly funded, if at all. Calls to harden our schools cause me to wonder what the long-term effects will be of sending kids to school for 12 years in buildings that look more and more like fortresses.
Beto O'Rourke, who is running for Governor against Greg Abbot, did not display leadership when he interrupted a press conference to tell Governor Abbott, "This is on you." I understand the frustration. Since Governor Abbott took office, there have been six mass shootings, and little has changed to protect our citizens.
In response to the Ross Elementary shooting in Uvalde, Governor Abbot has called for a committee of state representatives to investigate what happened in Uvalde. That committee does not include representatives from Uvalde or north Houston where the Santa Fe High School shooting occurred. Not including people that have been directly impacted or some who may disagree with the basic positions held by the Governor or his party will not encourage discussion of complicated issues.
The review of The Crux highlights several points. Strategy is a mix of policy and action. Strategy is also an exercise in power because it involves a change in direction and a shift in resources. The more complex the problem harder it is to develop a comprehensive strategy, and the easier it is to take a series of quick actions that feel good but result in an incoherent response. It is essential to start with the challenge and design a response rather than select from a list of previously suggested actions.
Development of corporate strategy will rarely be as challenging as what we face in America today. A first step would be to stop demonizing those who hold opinions that are different.
A Follow-up on Culture
In last week's post, I focused on culture and mentioned that I was volunteering at the Charles Schwab Challenge for the first time. Colonial Country Club has hosted this invitational tournament every year since 1946. PGA Tour tournaments rely on volunteers. The culture that exists at Colonial is remarkable. They give out service awards. One person I spoke to was excited because, in 2023, he will receive his 25-year pin. I talked with one gentleman who has volunteered every year (except for the COVID year) for the last 53 years. Another man told me that he started volunteering thirty years ago. Some of his peers brought their young children to watch. They are now volunteers and bring their children. The enthusiasm that volunteers feel directly results from an intentional plan to build a volunteer culture for the tournament. Culture is not a statement on a wall. Culture is collective behavior and shared beliefs. Constant reinforcement is necessary to maintain and grow your culture.
Quote of the Week
"A fighter pilot knows he's in the right spot when he's getting anti-aircraft fire. If you're not catching flack for your disruptive idea, you're not over your target yet. Keep flying."
– Samuel R. Chand
The Leader With A Thousand Faces is available on Amazon.
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