Succeeding with the Thin Line Between Stubborn and Persistent
There’s a thin line between stubborn and persistent. Successful leaders make decisions quickly* and change their mind reluctantly. But stubbornness refuses to consider alternatives.
Stubbornness makes decisiveness a disaster. But success requires persistence.
3 dangers of stubbornness:
My observation is that decisiveness and stubbornness often live together.
#1. Stubbornness promotes ignorance. Stubborn leaders refuse to consider alternatives because an alternative might require change. Why even think about alternatives when your way is the ‘right’ way.
“I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.” Abraham Lincoln
#2. Stubbornness motivates people to stop trying. Persistent leaders inspire people. Stubborn leaders de-motivate teams. Why bother if the boss never changes her mind.
#3. Stubbornness alienates the best and brightest. Stubborn leaders shoot down suggestions and ideas. The best and brightest go somewhere else.
4 ways to deal with stubbornness:
If you suspect that you might be stubborn, it’s probably worse than you think.
#1. Ask a trusted colleague when they see stubbornness in you. Don’t ask if they see it. Ask when they see it.
- What do I do when I’m being stubborn?
- What do I say when I’m being stubborn?
- What changes about my appearance or body language when I’m being stubborn?
#2. Explore suggestions. “How might your suggestion help us achieve better results?”
#3. Put strong people on your team. Stubborn leaders end up with teams of pushovers.
#4. Develop backup plans with your team before you begin. It’s not a change of course if you adopt a contingency plan.
Too flexible:
Flexibility has a downside too. When you frequently change course you devalue dedication and hard work.
Single-mindedness is the strength to press through obstacles, disappointment, and resistance. Team members keep trying when they believe you’ll stay the course.
What are the dangers of stubbornness?
How might leaders deal with their own stubbornness?
*I’m thinking of day-to-day decision-making, not high visibility decisions with powerful consequences.
After quote:
“Many are stubborn in pursuit of the path they have chosen, few in pursuit of the goal.” Friedrich Nietzsche
Self-awareness is so important! I laughed out loud at this line from above:
If you suspect that you might be stubborn, it’s probably worse than you think.
That is a BIG AMEN Paul!
Everyday we face situations that require us to find the appropriate spot to be on a continuum of possible behaviors. Each situation is different and requires a situation-specific response.
Consider–Firm versus Flexible
There are times to be firm and there are times to be flexible. The overly flexible leader is unwilling to take a firm stand. They are wishy-washy and often flip flop on their position. On the other hand, the overly firm leader is rigid and sees every issue as black and white. Seasoned leaders have the wisdom to know when to hold the line and when to be flexible.
Flexibly is important because the flexible leader is the leader that develops a plan identifies an opportunity and take advantage to positively impact the organization. I like its important to have an approach so that your team may have an idea of how you would view an issue but stubbornness is the red tape that often makes work unbearable and I personally have left a position because of this stance from my manager.
Can single-mindedness & stubbornness not be very similar or even possibly the same?
Tongue in cheek – I am laughing at the ‘AL’ quote, which brought to mind, today’s addiction to pc correctness, “I do not think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday.” – what about woman? which is then followed by “Why bother if the boss never changes her mind.” – can a man not be just as unwilling to change his mind? Are you insinuating that the fairer species of our world, are more reluctant to change one’s mind? (please remember the tongue in cheek when reading this paragraph) – me being me, I am afraid.
Back to serious mode, “dangers of stubbornness” – it can lead to much frustration, arguments, ill-feeling, slowing or even stopping progression in many respects. “How might leaders deal with their own stubbornness?” – put themselves in another or a specific person’s shoes.
Great content ( as usual)
Stubbornness is particularly dangerous when you fail to see changes, and shifts and adapt to them.
Want to insure your bottom line takes a negative hit? Practice Hubris!
great job