When I interviewed William Vanderbloemen for my book Big Shoes To Fill, he shared a profound observation:
“Age reduces flexibility. This is true for organizations, too.”
William, an avid runner, made this statement to draw a parallel between physical fitness and leadership. Just as our bodies become less flexible as we age, so do organizations.
In my leadership coaching, I’ve noticed a similar trend for leaders.
The longer a leader remains in the same place, the more set in their ways they often become.
The Challenge of Leadership Longevity
Leadership longevity has its benefits, but it also comes with significant challenges. One of the most pervasive is the gradual loss of flexibility. The longer a leader remains in their role, the more likely they are to become rigid in their thinking and approach. This rigidity can manifest in several ways, all of which can hinder the growth and innovation of both the leader and the organization.
The Consequences of Rigidity
The loss of flexibility in leadership can have far-reaching consequences:
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Lack of Innovation: When leaders become set in their ways, they often stifle creativity. Innovation requires a willingness to explore uncharted territory and take risks—something rigid leaders are less likely to do.
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Resistance to New Ideas: Rigid leaders may dismiss new ideas too quickly, preferring what is familiar. This can lead to missed opportunities for growth and improvement, as fresh perspectives are overlooked or undervalued.
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Decreased Team Morale: A leader’s rigidity can create a stifling environment for their team. When new ideas are routinely shot down, team members may become disengaged, decreasing morale and productivity.
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Inability to Adapt to Change: The business landscape is constantly evolving, and leaders must be able to adapt. A lack of flexibility makes it difficult to respond effectively to changes in the market, technology, or organizational needs.
How to Combat Rigidity in Leadership
To maintain flexibility and avoid the pitfalls of leadership longevity, leaders must intentionally cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and openness. Here are a few strategies:
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Embrace a Growth Mindset: Leaders should strive to maintain a growth mindset, continually seeking new knowledge and experiences. This helps keep their thinking fresh and their approach adaptable.
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Encourage and Welcome New Ideas: Actively solicit input from your team and be open to suggestions, even if they challenge your existing beliefs. Create an environment where innovation is encouraged and celebrated.
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Reflect on Your Leadership Regularly: Assess your leadership style and approach. Are you becoming too comfortable with the status quo? Are there areas where you could be more open to change?
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Surround Yourself with Diverse Perspectives: Engage with people who think differently from you. This can help you see things from new angles and avoid the trap of rigid thinking.
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Take Calculated Risks: Don’t shy away from taking risks. Experimenting with new ideas, even if they fail, can lead to valuable learning experiences and innovations.
Self-Assessment: Are You Becoming Too Rigid?
To ensure you’re maintaining the flexibility needed for effective leadership, consider these reflective questions:
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Am I still as open to new ideas as I was when I first started? Reflect on whether you’ve become more resistant to change over time.
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When was the last time I embraced a significant risk? Consider whether you’re avoiding risks to maintain comfort or stability.
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Do I encourage my team to innovate, or do I prefer sticking to what we know? Think about whether your leadership fosters creativity or stifles it.
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Am I actively seeking out new knowledge and perspectives? Evaluate your commitment to personal growth and learning.
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How do I respond when my ideas are challenged? Assess whether you’re open to feedback and willing to reconsider your approach.
By regularly asking yourself these questions, you are more likely to remain flexible, adapt to change, and continue driving innovation within your organization.
Call to Action:
Take a moment to reflect on your leadership style. Are you becoming too rigid, or are you still open to new ideas and growth? I encourage you to ask your team and peers. We often don’t see the reality in the mirror.
Quotes for Inspiration:
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“Age reduces flexibility. This is true for organizations, too.” — William Vanderbloemen
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“The best leaders are those who never stop learning and growing.” — Anonymous
Resources for Further Learning:
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Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
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Big Shoes To Fill by Gavin Adams
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Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
One More Thing…
I’d love to hear from you. How have you seen leadership flexibility affected by time in the role?
Most leaders are overwhelmed with daily tasks, leaving little time for innovation, creativity, and strategic growth. Check out gavinadams.com for more information. I offer systemic coaching and organizational consulting for leaders like you.
If you are a church leader, visit the Church Accelerator Community: Coaching, community, and content to help you work on your church, not just in your church.
Leading WITH You,
Dr. Gavin Adams