“Progress means getting nearer to the place you want to be. And if you have taken a wrong turn, then to go forward does not get you any nearer.
If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; and in that case the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive man.”
-C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
As a leader, I want to push forward. I want to gain ground. I can get addicted to progress for progress’ sake. Then I stop and look around and I realize this is not where I want to be. This is not where I should have lead these people.
It’s embarrassing to admit I’ve taken a wrong turn, and many leaders have too much pride to admit they are wrong.
We don’t have time for this kind of insecure leadership. Leaders, it’s time to man up and make the progressive decision to get back on the right road. Yes, you may have to utter the words, “I was wrong.” If you want to lead on the edge, you should practice saying those words often.
There is a silver lining: failure is one of the best–and most consistent–teachers out there. Of course, you have to be willing to show up for class…