Don't React.Initiate

I've just been reading Seth Godin's latest book about leadership, called Tribes. He offers hundreds of short, really stimulating insights. The most memorable for me, so far, is his distinction between Reacting, Responding and Initiating.

Mr Godin suggests that many managers too often just react to other people's agendas. It's an instinctual, intellectually easy action and often dangerous. To my mind those NHS managers who see themselves, primarily, as local implementors of Government policy too often fall into this category.

Good managers do better than this. They respond rather than react. Responding is a more thoughtful action that seeks to take advantage of opportunities. Responders are good at 'reading' situations and can craft actions to suit a range of particular circumstances. The best managers respond rather than react.

Some people, the leaders amongst us, go further and actually initiate. These people see opportunities that others don't. They are more impatient and they help make real substantive change happen. Tribes (inside and outside the organisation) are happy to follow the initiators.

After Darling's announcement today, Government borrowing is expected to rise to £118 billion in 2009 – 8% of GDP. Spare money, generally, is now really hard to find. But the NHS, at the end of August, was reported to be heading for a surplus of £1.75 billion for this year. Now more than ever we need public service leaders who are willing to use this money to good effect. Take a deep breath and initiate some bold action that will make a lasting difference to people's lives. Follow your heart. People will follow.

nhsseth godinleadership

Comments

[Sharon]

I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.


Sharon

http://www.autoloans101.info

[Steve Pashley]

Sharon, Glad you like it. Best Wishes
Steve