Be bold, not beige

My neighbour asked if I was a devil worshipper...

There I was chatting about the weather. I mentioned that my wife and I decided to paint our house black.

That's when it happened.

"BLACK?...You mean dark grey?"

"No. I am mean black."

"BLACK....are you a goth?"

And then the other neighbour down the road...

"BLACK? Are you devil worshippers?"

"It's going to be hot"..."Its going to be covered in white bird sh1t"...."Its going to be SOOO dark".

The house has been an ugly cholesterol beige since it was built years ago. I have been here over a year now and decided to make some changes. I have reflected on what will look best and what needs to change.

Fear of change or new?

Literally every single person in our community that I told I was using black paint had a negative reaction. Many confessed they hadn't even seen a black house but still didn't like the idea.

Was it the change that was confronting, rather than the actual colour?

And then it happened again. I painted the house and the comments started again....BUT:

"Omg you were SO right". "What a transformation, wonderful". "It looks so modern and fresh".

...and my favourite....

" You absolutely nailed it, looks like it was always meant to be black".

Give them a voice, NOT A VOTE

Don't be put off by the naysayers. Listen to those that have come before you but don't let them make your decisions for you.

The same goes for your team and peers:

Give them a voice. But don't give them a vote.

As a leader its your duty to make the calls and decisions based on what you believe is best. Its your job to involve others and to consult. But also to decide.

Some decisions are going to raise an eyebrow. Some will create ripples. But that's ok. Stay with what you know and feel is right.

If things need to change then make the call. Otherwise life is just so beige.

You are there to make change and decisions.

You are there to make an impact.

You are there to lead.

So give others a voice, not a vote by doing THESE THREE THINGS:

1. Be clear on your vision for change and your rationale. Bring your idea to life for others using emotion, story and in a way that is authentic to you. Don't rely on data or numbers alone.
2. Listen. Explain what is up for discussion and what isn't when you are canvassing support for your idea and seeking views. Be clear that change is mandatory and that there are boundaries to where you will accept input.
3. Be bold. Listen and consider. But land on what feels right and makes sense to you.

If you want some help to remove the beige from your work or lift your career then reach out.

I love hearing from you.

Paul is a Speaker, Mentor and Coach. He helps leaders and teams build impact and trust with powerful conversations. He has 25 years experience as a leader and adviser in complex situations and companies. His coaching helps leaders lift up and let go.

Learn more at paulmatthews.com.au