I'm Just Trying to Help

Most often, the reason we volunteer to drive a big project, or step into a leadership position, or embark on an entrepreneurial endeavor is that we just want to help.  We identify with a problem and want to apply our strengths and skills to address it, in order to change the world in some small way.  We usually enter these situations full of inspiration, enthusiasm and some naiveté. 

This theme came up in three different conversations I had recently with people who reached out after reading some of my posts online.  All three were trying in some way to lead or influence a struggling organization.  They brought new, fresh perspectives to decades-old problems and believed they knew exactly how to turn things around.  But their best of intentions blocked them from anticipating the resistance that followed. 

What seemed like an obvious problem just waiting to be fixed, was actually just their own subjective assessment of the situation.  Their enthusiasm to lead was masking a strong sense of judgment about how things worked, and an almost-blind belief that they knew a better way to get things done. When you look at the situation from this perspective, it’s no wonder they met with resistance. 

Even when our ideas are progressive and forward-looking and improve clear metrics like efficiency or accessibility, and our intentions are purely in service of the greater good, our approach has to be open and curious to enable change.  This means noticing the assumptions we are making, seeing our biases through our eagerness, and taking time to understand what others value. 

Good intentions do not guarantee influence.  

Warm Regards,

Divya

P.S. If you’re looking to learn new approaches to influence in the face of resistance, let’s connect.