SHOW CONVICTION
WHY IT MATTERS
Leaders can’t lead effectively until they know what drives them, what they believe in, what they value, what their goals are, and what they are willing to do to achieve them. Nothing worthwhile has ever come easy. Leaders who show conviction run over challenges and obstacles to their work instead of being deterred or distracted by them. They don’t stop pushing until they achieve their desired results. Leaders who don’t show conviction for what they are trying to accomplish, or have the fortitude to see it through, are more likely to come up short when they face difficult challenges. In a complex world that introduces extensive roadblocks at every turn, a leader cannot give a halfhearted effort and still end up on top.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Leaders that show conviction have a clear definition of what they feel matters most. They use that knowledge to guide their decisions, discussions, and actions. They have strong opinions that act as their personal leadership compass and anchor. They are not swayed by situational circumstances, peer pressure, stress, or the difficulty of a task. It is more important to them to stay true to their convictions than it is to live with the consequences of betraying them. They are willing to make whatever sacrifice is needed to stay their course, and accomplish their goals.
Leaders that show conviction have the stamina to sustain long-term battles. They tackle issues head on without procrastination, and keep pushing forward until the end. They know that a battle worth winning is a battle that is worth sticking with. They don’t play to lose. Where others might become discouraged, they remain hopeful and optimistic. Where others might be inclined to give up, they push forward with a resolve to see things through.
Leaders that show conviction don’t worry about what others think of them or how they might appear. They don’t need credit. Their image is not their concern. Their concern is making sure the work gets done and results are achieved. They prioritize the task at hand over their personal well-being and let their results be their reward.
Leaders that show conviction keep their emotions in check so they don’t impede their progress. They approach each situation in the most professional manner. They feel things fervently, but don’t lead with their emotions. They lead with hard facts, sound arguments, evidence, and compelling reasoning. They show sufficient passion for their position without needlessly causing offense or damaging relationships. They can be bold, speak up, have hard discussions, and work through conflict while maintaining a level head.
Leaders that show conviction rally other people to their cause. They know their success relies upon other people sharing their same convictions. They have a strong platform. They create a clear case that is data driven, yet moving. They present their vision in a compelling fashion. They create coalitions and form believers to help their cause.
Leaders that show conviction believe in their cause when others quit believing. They are willing to stand alone if required. Their willingness to take a lonely stand inspires others to feel safe doing the same.
BELIEFS
SELF-REFLECTION
WORDS OF CAUTION
Leaders can’t lead effectively until they know what drives them, what they believe in, what they value, what their goals are, and what they are willing to do to achieve them. Nothing worthwhile has ever come easy. Leaders who show conviction run over challenges and obstacles to their work instead of being deterred or distracted by them. They don’t stop pushing until they achieve their desired results. Leaders who don’t show conviction for what they are trying to accomplish, or have the fortitude to see it through, are more likely to come up short when they face difficult challenges. In a complex world that introduces extensive roadblocks at every turn, a leader cannot give a halfhearted effort and still end up on top.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Leaders that show conviction have a clear definition of what they feel matters most. They use that knowledge to guide their decisions, discussions, and actions. They have strong opinions that act as their personal leadership compass and anchor. They are not swayed by situational circumstances, peer pressure, stress, or the difficulty of a task. It is more important to them to stay true to their convictions than it is to live with the consequences of betraying them. They are willing to make whatever sacrifice is needed to stay their course, and accomplish their goals.
Leaders that show conviction have the stamina to sustain long-term battles. They tackle issues head on without procrastination, and keep pushing forward until the end. They know that a battle worth winning is a battle that is worth sticking with. They don’t play to lose. Where others might become discouraged, they remain hopeful and optimistic. Where others might be inclined to give up, they push forward with a resolve to see things through.
Leaders that show conviction don’t worry about what others think of them or how they might appear. They don’t need credit. Their image is not their concern. Their concern is making sure the work gets done and results are achieved. They prioritize the task at hand over their personal well-being and let their results be their reward.
Leaders that show conviction keep their emotions in check so they don’t impede their progress. They approach each situation in the most professional manner. They feel things fervently, but don’t lead with their emotions. They lead with hard facts, sound arguments, evidence, and compelling reasoning. They show sufficient passion for their position without needlessly causing offense or damaging relationships. They can be bold, speak up, have hard discussions, and work through conflict while maintaining a level head.
Leaders that show conviction rally other people to their cause. They know their success relies upon other people sharing their same convictions. They have a strong platform. They create a clear case that is data driven, yet moving. They present their vision in a compelling fashion. They create coalitions and form believers to help their cause.
Leaders that show conviction believe in their cause when others quit believing. They are willing to stand alone if required. Their willingness to take a lonely stand inspires others to feel safe doing the same.
BELIEFS
- If you don’t stick up for what you believe and what you feel, no one else will either.
- You are the only one who can make what matters to you a reality. The only way you lose is when you give up.
- Showing personal conviction means you might have to be alone, but a battle worth fighting is worth fighting alone.
- What matters isn’t what other people think about you, or how they perceive you. What matters is what you think of yourself.
- If you don’t believe in anything, where will your conviction come from?
- The reward for seeing things through will always be greater than the comfort that comes from giving up.
- The great leaders are defined as those who get things accomplished in the face of the greatest opposition.
- The motto of true leaders is to “do what you feel is right and be willing to accept whatever consequences may follow.”
- Target your energy to what matter most.
- Put your standards above popular opinion.
- Don’t be afraid of disrupting the norm.
- Measure your show of emotion.
- Have the stamina to keep going.
- Have a clear definition of your ideals and values.
- Do not fear retribution for doing what is right.
- Refuse to give up when things get hard.
- Feel passion for your opinion.
- Change your convictions if you are wrong.
- Don’t be easily intimidated by others.
- Step up to controversy if required.
- Don’t be afraid of standing alone.
- Do not fear tension or contention.
- Inspire others to take a stand.
- Do not sacrifice your ideals and goals.
- Do more than just show up for work.
- Have a clear point of view on what is right.
- Ask others to stand up for what is right.
- Doesn’t chase after popular opinion.
- Be willing to be different than the norm.
- Don’t do things just to be accepted or recognized.
SELF-REFLECTION
- Do I know what I believe in and what I am willing to fight for, or do I have little conviction for anything?
- Do I stay true to what I believe in no matter what, or do I find myself giving in and making concessions?
- Do I stick with a battle until the very end, or do I give up prematurely because of fatigue or discouragement?
- Do I worry about doing what is right, or do I worry more about what other people think of me?
- Do I show the appropriate amount of emotion to help my cause, or do I let my emotions get out of control?
- Do I feel strong enough about what I am doing to stand alone, or do I give up as soon as my support fades away?
- Do I give everything I have to what I do, or do I approach my work hoping a half-hearted effort will suffice?
- Do other people know what I believe in and why I believe in it, or do they wonder where I stand and what matters to me?
WORDS OF CAUTION
- Don’t make people hesitate to approach you with their concerns because they are afraid to be labeled as “doubters.”
- Don’t become blind to reality when everything is indicating you will not succeed and you need to pull back.
- Don’t dust aside people with different convictions than yours just because they are different.
- I never hesitate to stand up for something that is important to me.
- I have made enemies because I have stood up for something that was important to me.
- I don’t take it personally when someone doesn’t like me.
- Arguing with someone doesn’t bother me if it means getting my point across.
- Some degree of conflict is necessary in the work place.