Innovation and progress happen when people don’t settle for the status quo. It is those who challenge mindsets, concepts, and even protocol that are the catalyst for change. Any organization that values progress will make strong leaders, and strong leaders have strong views on their ideas. Simply put, they are proud of those ideas. However, the downfall of any organization is putting pride before progress; That is why we must be willing to create an environment that allows ascending authority to be challenged.
While this is a very healthy environment for progress, there is still a proper way to challenge the mindsets, concepts, and protocol that honor today’s authority figures.
1. Pick the right time and place – Even the most appropriate challenges can feel like an attack when done in the wrong place at the wrong time. It is important to understand the present audience. When done in the wrong environment, your credibility can be severely compromised.
2. Facts First: The best way to get the attention of an authority figure is to show that you’ve done your research. It is important that you show that you took the time to see a problem from his point of view. Remember that the groundwork you do before challenging can add credibility and even allies in the change you seek. What better than the authority figure you are challenging!
3. Offer solutions and alternatives: True leaders show that they have looked at all aspects of a problem by offering solutions and alternatives. Having shown that you understand why a process currently exists, it is now your responsibility as a leader to find ways to make things better. Solutions and alternatives must always take into account the group as a whole. If what you’re suggesting only benefits a small part of the team, it has the potential to split them up.
TODAY is the day to start trading at a higher level than you are currently at. Be a catalyst for change, but do it in a way that honors the current authority!