Tough times, whether externally or internally based, test us as leaders, followers, and test our organizations. It is in such situations that we can really benefit from perspective about what works and what doesn’t in such times. Research shows that one significant, persisting pattern among “great leaders” who succeeded across the range of tough times is that they have experienced more setbacks than other leaders and individuals.
One of the most remarkable stories of all time is that of Abraham Lincoln. He experienced 16 setbacks before succeeding—and on that 17th effort, was elected President of the United States of America! One of the landmark personal attributes of “great leaders” is that they do not view “setbacks” in their lives as such, and certainly don’t view them as “failures.” Instead, they perceive and respond to such experiences as valuable lifelong learning opportunities, and they use each experience to focus and then calibrate on actions needed to gain the desired results. In fact, it has been shown that highly successful individuals, including leaders, typically make 5 times more “trial efforts” than other people. As a result, this contributes to their much higher success level over time as they work through the success discovery process, doing so by assessing and working a range of optional solutions until they find those that work.
Imbedded in this ‘mentally tough-minded’ approach is the fact that they are not 
‘naïve optimists’ characterized by attitudes like “All you need to do is think positively and success will come!” Instead, they are “realistic opportunists” who believe “I can succeed by discovering what has already worked and not worked and then taking action to create the future I seek through proactive thinking, effort, and actions.” Regardless of one’s political persuasion, it is easy for all to recognize President Barack Obama as a classic contemporary example of this attribute. He believed from the start that he ‘could and WOULD do whatever he set his mind to achieving’ throughout his adult life, despite the lack of belief by others that his accomplishments were possible. The same can also be noted about his wife, Michelle, who was and continues to be an accomplished person in her own right. In the business world there are many such examples of such self-made successes, both individuals and organizations, that began with difficult circumstances, had very limited resources, and capitalized on the one advantage that made the difference in their ultimate success—their motivations, their developed capabilities, and their sustained efforts!
The personal lesson for all of us to create the life we seek, whether as a formal leader or simply a leader of the life we seek to create for ourselves and/or others, is that if you intend to succeed, you MUST take both risks and learning from your own “learning opportunities,” just as we’ve all experienced time and again throughout our lives. Leaders can help this process by creating “learning cultures.” Garry Ridge, COO of WD-40, pointed this out to me, noting “In our organization we don’t make mistakes, we only have learning moments that help us perform better.” And, since the new leadership group took charge in that organization it’s exactly what has happened in dramatic fashion. Diligent persistence is a key to being a successful manager, leader, or performer at any level. Remember that the stories of Lincoln and Obama are more typical than not. Whatever your field of ‘leadership’, seldom is success either ‘overnight’ or early. Instead, it results from successive approximation of our own vision and level of aspired greatness through progressive breakthroughs.
In summary, each of us can become bigger winners through sustained, dedicated effort and increasing insights that enable us to better capitalize on the same opportunities that others ‘miss’ along the way!” This blog is written as a coaching resource from which each of us can gain insight and take personal action to help us become more successful. The only decision that remains is what you will now do to get better results for yourself, others, and your organization!
This blog includes excerpted material from Dr. O’Connor’s forthcoming writings on Leadership in the ‘Stepping Stones To Success’ book with co-authors Deepak Chopra, Jack Canfield, Denis Waitley (2010), Insight Publishing. Dr. Michael O’Connor is a recognized thought leader, executive coach and founder of Life Associates & The Center For Managing By Values. Michael is the co-author of several books, "The Leader Within," "Managing By Values," the Personal Global Profiles System (‘GPS’) Online Resource for Assessment and Development, and more. For additional information visit www.lifeassociatesinc.com.
