Conspire to inspire
Inspirational leaders and change catalysts require a co-conspirator: a mentor; debriefer; advisor; counsellor; listener; ally and provider of comfort at the Coal Face.
Game Changing is not a solo art, and directing the process requires vision, bravery and a deep knowing of creative strategy. When you're charging into the heart of the unknown and cutting back swathes of resistance, trusting your vision takes core strength. Your will and focus needs a clear-sighted ally; your royal leader needs a court jester and your doubts need a safe space. You need support to change the world.
Leadership is an art and art requires both skill and magic. Leading effective change means that these skills and magic sometimes need to be worked from a vortex of imminent chaos, often whilst blindfolded! It sounds wonderfully dramatic, but until you've felt the exilarated determination and overwhelmed shock of pushing through fundamental changes whilst committing your profits and reputation, you cannot fully appreciate the power and value of an eclectic, agile-minded co-conspirator.
The nature of real change is that it has both essential, familiar patterns as well as unique, never-been-done new ways. The trick is to continuously discern habit from pattern. The trick is also to diligently track true practice over lip-service and window dressing whilst knowing when to act and when to wait.
Ethical contradictions, gut logic and unfolding complexities challenge your emerging outcome and your assumptions are your continuous trap. You need your eyes on multiple horizons.
Enter your business shaman, your devils advocate and trusted ally. Sift through the complexity of what you know, identify clues and pathways, dissolve obstacles, discuss strategy. You know what you're doing and you know where you're going, all you need is someone who will conspire to support you as you track your prize.
All great Change Makers have had a muse and mentor - seldom have these been from the pool of cohorts. Directing change, by its very nature, requires an overview from the edge between old and new - a wise fool perspective.
Who is holding your vision with you? Who has no desired outcome except your effective success? Find your ally - and together conspire to inspire.