“Opportunity is sometimes hard to recognize if you’re only looking for a lucky break.” – Monta Crane
Last week in this space the topic was patience. More specifically, the idea that a lot of leaders have a tendency to use the term to hide the real issue – passivity. At some point, we have to get things in gear and keep moving.
A conversation I had this past week sparked more thoughts along those same lines. Someone was complaining that one of their competitors had found a lot of success because they “got lucky” and just happened to introduce a new version of their product at the right time.
Upon further discussion and investigation, luck had nothing to do with it. The competitor had researched the market, interviewed customers, and evaluated complaints and comments they’d received regarding their products. They new exactly what the market was looking for, and the provided it. On top of that, they did a great job with marketing.
How often do we attribute things that happen to either good or bad luck? When something goes against us we complain about bad luck. More often, the outcome we’re complaining about was entirely or largely the result of some we did, or failed to do. Similarly, when things go well, we talk about luck or fortune, when really we’ve probably done something to create that outcome we’re happy about.
At the core, it’s really about impact. Too many leaders – and people in general – don’t believe they can have any impact on their world. Their learned helplessness has convinced them that they’re simply along for the ride.
That’s a dangerous way to think. When leaders truly believe they can’t influence what happens, they stop trying, because hey, why bother? They may not consciously say it that way, but that’s what happens. Our brain is convinced that our actions don’t matter, so we conserve energy by not wasting time on meaningless actions.
Look at the way you think, and speak, about the issues you and your business are dealing with. Does the conversation seem somewhat hopeless? Does it sound like there really isn’t much that can be done? Or are you thinking about actions you can take to make the most of your opportunities?
Learned helplessness is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You think you’re just along for the ride, so you don’t bother acting, so then you’re just along for the ride. Don’t think that way. Don’t speak that way. Don’t act that way. Take control and take action.
