One of the great tendencies I see today in leadership is the rush to pragmatism. This usually reflects a very practical approach to any opportunity or problem. This philosophy can be driven by an ever changing culture, the push for quick results, or the desire to prove oneself. But leadership activity void of purpose is short term thinking at best. The cure for pragmatic leadership can be found in getting the questions right.
What and why must drive how.
“What” is the objective.
“What” includes your vision and mission.
“What” includes what you hope to accomplish.
What and why must drive how.
“Why” is the reason behind the objective.
“Why” includes your core values.
“Why” drives the vision and mission.
“Why” speaks to why it all matters.
What and why must drive how.
“How” is the implementation.
“How” is the tactical aspects of the objective.
“How” includes how you are going to get there
“How” includes the practical, pragmatic aspects of living out the vision.
It’s not that “how” is wrong. “How” is necessary. But “how” cannot be the starting point. Don’t be quick to move to the practical before you have taken the time to figure out where you are going and why you should go there. This approach is about sustainability and leaving a legacy.
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