Stand for Something in a Timid World
People aren’t energized by warm milk. Add some chocolate syrup. People follow leaders who stand for something.
Declare what you believe and see who follows.
Stand out skillfully because, “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.”
4 Ways to Stand for Something:
#1. Have Conviction.
Don’t use anger as courage. People with conviction often seem angry. They’re offended when their values are violated by others.
Shabby behaviors don’t defend high ideals. Your values are noble ideas. Present them with confidence, joy, and love. Don’t hate people who disagree. You’re ugly when you’re angry. Values deserve something better than scowls.
#2. Embrace Your Quirks.
You don’t stand out by blending in. Quirks are the fingerprints of personality. Don’t flaunt them. But don’t hide them either. The edges you’re tempted to smooth may be the traits people remember most.
#3. Have a Point of View.
Inspiring people have informed opinions. They don’t chase popular ideas, they challenge them. Disagree humbly. Stand tall, but don’t shout. Respectful disagreement earns attention and builds credibility.
Be willing to change your point of view. Stubbornness doesn’t build confidence in others.
#4. Speak with Humility.
Strong opinions don’t require loud voices. Humility invites conversation. When you speak with grace, people lean in, not away.
Humility serves the interest of others. Stand for something that brings value to others.
A gentle tone isn’t weak, it’s inviting.
Try this:
- List three core values. How are you living them today?
- Share an alternative viewpoint in your next meeting.
- Share something quirky about yourself. Maybe you have a collection of Toy Story figurines.
Leaders lose themselves trying to fit in. They find themselves when they stand for something.
What are the benefits of having conviction?
7 Things People Want from Leaders
How to Be Yourself While Becoming Yourself
Do Your Commitments Match Your Convictions? HBR
As always, your timing to understand what “I” need at this moment is uncanny. It’s like you are hovering about my organization and seeing what I need to help focus my emotional energy (call back to yesterday’s post – also timely) and stand for what I believe in. While yesterday afternoon I moved through anger (internally – not outwardly) after receiving an unhelpful response to a proposal, today’s post is helping me navigate and prepare for the next conversation. I must stand for the people I lead who put the proposal together, and are directly affected by the unhelpful response. They need a leader that will stand up, quirks and all, and humbly share what we believe in order to serve our customers with excellence.
Love reading your story, Heidi. Thanks for sharing. You demonstrate that standing for something isn’t about being self-serving. So powerful.
What are the benefits of having conviction?
–Clear red lines
–Core beliefs (or principles) that guide you when stating your position, establishing goals, and making decisions
–Confidence and peace of mind
Paul B. Thornton
My favorite is peace of mind. It’s stressful trying to figure out what other people want you to do.
Too many disingenuous leaders know that when FEAR is applied, few people will STAND outside of the STATUS QUO. When you see this happen, discern the leader who is applying the FEAR. Often great insight opens to the leader’s true nature, the true intentions of those who wield fear as a tool to control others. I relish situations like this because once you know recognize this tactic … it sticks out like a sore thumb … a true litmus test, a “tell”.
Thanks Michael. It seems obvious that controlling people with fear means they aren’t bringing their best. The difference between compliance and commitment is engagement and passion.