The courage to change your mind

If you’re a highly unpredictable leader, chances are you’re on someone’s “worst boss ever” list. We like to know where we stand with people, and so we often treat consistency as the ultimate leadership virtue.

And yes, consistency and steadiness are critically important and build trust, but… there’s a point where they tip into rigidity, and that is, shall we say, not helpful.

The bravest leaders I’ve worked with are the ones willing to change their mind when the evidence changes. To say: “I was wrong. Here’s what I see now.”

That’s not weakness or capitulation, it’s strength and credibility. It shows you’re paying attention, not just digging in and defending old ground.

In my career in law (and in leadership more broadly) we’re trained to prize being right. But at senior levels, the real skill is knowing when being revised is more valuable than being right.

So here’s a question for you: when was the last time you openly changed your mind? And what did it build - in you, and in others?

Until next week,

Madeleine

PS If you’d like me to work with you as you navigate senior leadership, let me know and please share with anyone you think may benefit.

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