I’m leery of finding too much wisdom in Machiavelli (for fear of appearing too, well, Machiavellian) but he sure got this right:
“And let it be noted that there is no more delicate matter to take in hand, nor more dangerous to conduct, nor more doubtful in its success, than to set up as the leader in the introduction of changes. For he who innovates will have for his enemies all those who are well off under the existing order of things, and only lukewarm supporters in those who might be better off under the new.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince
This explains why, for example, no politician wants to take the lead on health-care reform or a new energy policy. We may need them, but too many of us are “well off under the existing order of things”.
In politics, in business, and in the church, successful leaders are those who can convince people that tomorrow is at risk even though today is pretty good. A rare quality, indeed.
PS - I found this quote today at the great blog Signal vs. Noise.
2 responses so far ↓
1 jhill // Feb 20, 2007 at 12:05 pm
I like that! It really hits the nail on the head… It’s not so much a convincing as it is the courage to stand for what’s right no matter what anyone else believes! You’ll be alone, but only for a while!! It’s not that too many others are comfortable, even though that is true, it’s about that person coming out of their own comfort zone. That’s the hard part, no matter who you are, when other’s are angry with you, it’s uncomfortable!!!!
2 John // Feb 23, 2007 at 10:37 am
Comfort and Control are two of the most powerful, misunderstood, and universally dangerous concepts/goals out there. And they are both largely illusions.
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