We live in an age where innovation is essential to get ahead and stay ahead. Whatever your business, you need it to compete. At the same time, we also live in an age where many people….perhaps most people…are risk averse. They don’t want to lose their job, their reputation or their free time because they stuck their neck out to innovate. It’s easier to leave things the way they have always been.
I am not the CEO of Microsoft, but I have had the opportunity to lead a great group of people for several years. As I have done that, I have struggled to find ways to accurately convey my desire for people to think and act differently.
A few years ago, my friend Craig Parker shared something with me that revolutionized the way I approach this as a leader. The phrase, “I’d rather give speeding tickets than parking tickets” has become a part of my everyday conversation…and I love it!
To be sure, there are times when I have to call people into my office and give them a ticket for moving too quickly or unwisely. Still, I try to make sure that I “high five” them as they walk out of my office….congratulating them for taking a chance.
It’s true that this philosophy will create a little chaos, and it certainly won’t work if you want to live in a high control environment. If, however, you want some new energy in your mission, I encourage you to release your people to “go for it”, even if it means giving out some speeding tickets.
But don’t forget the “high fives”!!
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I so agree! I’m reading Bill Hybel’s book “Axiom” with similar thoughts. This would be an axiom (leadership proverb): “I’d rather give a speeding ticket than a parking ticket.” I’ll use it also!
Some other axioms from Hybel’s book related to this:
+ Is it sustainable?
+ Don’t screw up (not about avoiding risk but sustaining initiatives and paying attention to details)
+ Have a bias toward action
+ Performance buys freedom