The world is dangerous because of those who look at it without doing anything. So, Look and Do!

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"The world is not dangerous because of those who do harm, but because of those who look at it without doing anything." — Albert Einstein.

In an HBR article I recently read, the authors posited that when leaders hesitate to take sides on controversial issues out of fear that speaking out might alienate people who disagree with them, they risk losing more. These assertions were based upon a series of experiments that highlighted two insights —

1. People are more suspicious and less trusting of coworkers, managers, and public figures who decline to take sides than those who openly express an opinion — even if it's an opinion with which they disagree.?
2. Conspicuously staying neutral can cause people to assume you're trying to hide the fact that your views oppose those of whomever you are addressing (even if they don't), making you come across poorly, even to people who share your thoughts.

This much we can agree on, the current leadership challenges today are unrelenting, unprecedented, ambiguous, and fleeting. And as a result, leaders have to consistently meet this moment with enthusiasm and beg the question of what leaders can do.?

The Danger

Leaders can succumb to the narrative that their influence is limited or the world is beyond saving and choose to be entirely pragmatic. Others are conflicted and could easily succumb to apathy and decide to wallow in fear, disdain, and anger. But the right course of action is the unrelenting determination to do good and improve the world. Leaders (current, aspiring, and future) must understand what this moment represents.

And it starts with being mindful of the wise words of Elie Wiesel —

“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” — Elie Wielsel

Remember, Indifference favors the powerful and privileged.

Leaders must be mindful, flexible, firm, and open, yet decisive. Here are three things you can do —

#1: Don't talk about hope; show?it.?

Hope is action!?It goes beyond an image of the future but is the force that frames the present world and fuels action.

Some quotes to be mindful of —

"A strong mind always hopes, and has always cause to hope." — Thomas Carlyle.

"Everything that is done in the world is done by hope." — Martin Luther

"We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon." — Franklin D. Roosevelt

"Where there is no vision, there is no hope." — George Washington Carver

#2. Convert Anger into?Action

Anger is an appropriate response to evil, meanness, and injustice, but it achieves nothing much unless it is converted from unrestrained to purposeful power. Leadership understands they have to convert that anger into productive energy.

Some quotes to be mindful of —

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds." - Albert Einstein.

"It is wise to direct your anger towards problems — not people; to focus your energies on answers — not excuses." — William Arthur Ward.

"Controlled anger leads to positive action." ― Todd Stocker

#3. Stay Curious.?

Commit to a learning journey. Be relentlessly focused on applying your knowledge. Continue to decolonize your bookshelf and challenge your biases.

Some quotes to be mindful of —

"Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers." — Harry Truman

"Learning is not a spectator sport." — Anonymous.

"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." — Aristotle.

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A Hybrid leader: American-born, British Trained, and Nigerian Raised. Leadership Psychologist, Inclusion Strategist, and Executive Coach?KornFerry ?| Follow me on Twitter?Dr. Flo Falayi

References —

• https://hbr.org/2022/08/when-staying-neutral-backfires?
• Leaders rise in chaotic times, difficult moments, and dangerous and challenging seasons of life. Leadership is taking…www.flofalayi.com .