Leadership Tip

How to eradicate complacency

There is no place for complacency in today's business environment. If your team or organisation becomes fat and happy with success, there is a good chance bad times are on the horizon. Complacency or, in other words, comfort with the status quo, can destroy a change initiative. How to identify complacency? Ask the following questions:

  1. Are highly selective facts used to shoot down data suggesting your firm's in big trouble?
  2. Do people bring up past failures to stall new initiatives rather than to learn?
  3. Do people say "We must act now!" but then don't do anything?
  4. Do cynical jokes pervade important discussions?
  5. Are assignments around critical issues frequently completed late or sloppily?
  6. Do people regularly blame others for the company's problems?

The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme and adapted from A Sense of Urgency by John Kotter. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.

Subscribe

Free weekly email on things you didn't know last week with links to articles on leadership excellence. To view previous editions click here.


Unlock your potential

Whether face to face, or over the telephone, we can develop your leadership skills, support you in making important decisions, and help you reach your potential.

Read More

Leadership Articles

10 actions for effective communication

High-quality communication is an essential element in business and organisational performance. Effective communication relies on engaging with people, having a commitment to building strong and productive relationships and realising that we communicate... read more

10 actions for advancing your career

Standing out at work isn’t about wearing a flashy hat - though, that could help. The more effective way to make an impact is by developing the skills that will get you noticed. Here are 10 strategies for advancing your career: Make skills... read more

10 actions for achieving best performance

Success does not begin with radically changing the way you work or acquiring new skills: the first step is to take what you already do to the highest level.  However trivial it may seem, if you can do a task more smartly than you did before, and... read more

Leadership Tips

How to improve interpersonal conflicts

In today’s fast-paced and often high-pressure work environments, the ability to navigate interpersonal relationships is more critical than ever. Even the most capable teams experience conflict - it’s a natural byproduct of collaboration, diversity of... read more

How to build value through visionary leadership

Real Madrid has reclaimed its position as Europe’s most valuable football club, with a 23% year-on-year increase in enterprise value, reaching €6.3 billion as of January 2025, according to Football Benchmark. Real Madrid’s financial and sporting... read more

How to make the most of your downtime

Rest isn’t a luxury - it’s a leadership skill. Stepping back isn’t about doing less; it’s about restoring the energy and clarity to lead well.  This holiday, give yourself permission to pause. Leadership starts with how well you lead yourself,... read more