Mission Over Ego

You’ve learned the pitfalls of the silo mentality.  You’ve possibly read the Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencionci.

I was reminded of this importance in speaking with a customer today.  He spoke of coming into his current role after unseating an incumbent of 10 years.  Coming into a small sized work setting, this was an uphill emotional battle to get the buy in of his newly acquired team.

He spoke of inheriting a team where the majority loyalty was to the incumbent.  One member told him directly, “I support your predecesssor.”  The new leader’s response was, “I support our organization, not any individual member, neither current nor past.  And I will work to prove that to you.”

This is the only appropriate response.  Check your ego at the door.  You will encounter resistance.  You will encounter disbelief.  You may even encounter subversion.  Respond to none of it.  Keep your eye on the goal.  The mission.

A burning passion coupled with absolute detachment is the key to all success. Gandhi

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