If Not Us..

Below is a speech to Congress from then President Reagan.

All of us came here because we knew the country couldn’t go on the way it was going. So it falls to all of us to take action. We have to ask ourselves if we do nothing, where does all of this end. Can anyone here say that if we can’t do it, someone down the road can do it, and if no one does it, what happens to the country? All of us know the economy would face an eventual collapse. I know it’s a hell of a challenge, but ask yourselves if not us, who, if not now, when?

While President Reagan was addressing a separate issue, I suggest the logic holds for most businesses... everyday. We all face tough strategic choices that impact the history of our organizations ...everyday. It's just human nature to postpone those choices. To delay. To defer. To squeak by another quarter. To let someone else face the risk of an opinion; of making the wrong decision. Let someone else figure it out.

We act as if leadership is about "letting it ride" for another quarter without embarking on the journey of much needed change. You know what I'm talking about. Every business I have ever worked in was facing the need for significant change, yet delaying the inevitable. Delaying the future because they fear it will be worse than the present. I bet you can name one in your business. The elephant no one talks about.

Leaders lead, managers manage. Leaders take us somewhere, managers maintain.

Is your team dealing with one of those issues? Remember Reagan's challenge: If not us, who? If not now, when?

It's about courage, determination and faith. Ships are safe at harbor, but that's not what they are built for.

Getting off the soapbox now. Thanks for listening.