Why great leaders don’t change

In business and life, the leaders we give our trust and money to are the ones who stand for something. Leadership comes from who we are, it is a genuine expression of authenticity.

The weather changes, times change, even the rules change, but the profound truth is that leaders don’t change; rather, they steadfastly hold onto their core values while navigating the ever-changing currents of life.

For you and I, it’s important to know that we don’t have to change who we are, but instead, become more of who we are. Here are a few simple tools to think about.

1. Avoid distraction
   
   It is easy to become lost or distracted by chasing trends and what other people are doing. The temptation to pivot, to mould into something more “acceptable”, often comes, but leaders are not defined by their reactions to external pressures but by their unwavering commitment to their true essence. A leader remains focused.
   
   Where our thoughts and attention go is where we will end up. Often, using mnemonic devices, mantras, signs and posted “notes to self” can help us to stay focused and keep our actions aligned with our purpose.
   
2. Always be a student
   
   Like any entrepreneur, I love the excitement and activity of developing new ideas, making, creating and promoting it all. I love being busy, but it’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy of the hustle and to confuse mere ‘busy-ness’ with real growth.
   
   I have to occasionally check myself and make sure that I’m creating healthy business practices, and not just hacking away at life with a dull blade. It’s about taking the time to prepare before you make the work.
   
   This preparedness can include developing your crafts and skills, but the real preparation is to become a student of our lives. We need to continually develop ourselves by staying curious and always look to learn.
   
3. Don’t rush
   
   The hustle and the pressure of the daily grind can wear you down. We need rest and introspection to replenish our energies for the tasks at hand. Find those things that promote the proper growth and expansion of your life and work—slow down, read, study, replenish your soul and sharpen the axe.
   
4. Learn to improvise
   
   Having a plan is great, but don’t fall in love with it. Sometimes things get in the way. Remain steadfast and resolute in your goals, but be flexible, ready to make it up as you go or to scrap the plan all together. Be able to retool and get back at it with no loss of vigour, traction or enthusiasm. In short, improvise.
   
5. Accept the new
   
   New times bring new circumstances. Learn to adapt and pivot, sure, but never change fundamentally. The future is full of time saving hacks and apps, take advantage of these. Adapt to the changing world, accept the new technology to make your life easier.
   
   When you stand for your own principles and your own authenticity, you begin to see your work as a gift. This creates a radical shift in how you think about your work. It changes why you work, what you make and even who you work for. When your work is a gift, you now work to make yourself happy—and in turn speak directly to your audience. Because you now give something of value—a piece of yourself.