The Leadership Pendulum
When to Push, When to Pause
Following the article excellence vs empathy, I had a few discussions which brought about further thought. With this I would like to share the following.
We often celebrate momentum - the drive to innovate, improve, and challenge the status quo. The feedback received allowed me to reflect on a quieter, more nuanced question which I remember pondering about years ago:
When do we push for change, and when do we allow space for stability?
This isn't just a tactical decision. It is much deeper. One that requires emotional intelligence, situational awareness, and a deep understanding of team dynamics. For people who thrive on momentum this is something that does not come natural.
Is this a "not enough" syndrome?
The Tension Between Momentum and Maturity
Change agents - the proactive, high-energy drivers - are often ready to leap into the next improvement cycle. They thrive on iteration and thrive in ambiguity. But in as difficult it sometimes is to accept, not everyone moves at the same pace. Some need time to absorb, adapt, and anchor the current wave of change before they can ride the next.
And here lies the tension:
- Push too hard you risk burnout, resistance, or superficial adoption.
- Wait too long you risk stagnation, missed opportunities, or disengagement.
So how do we find the balance? In all this research shows that some sort of balance exists, using the following approach.
Three Anchors for Thoughtful Change Leadership
1. Listen for the lag - Not all resistance is opposition. Sometimes it's processing. Sometimes it's fear. Sometimes it's wisdom. The slow adopters may be the ones asking the questions that protect long-term sustainability.
2. Celebrate the plateau - Stability isn't the enemy of progress. It's the foundation. Let the dust settle. Let the new habits form. Let the systems breathe. Then, and only then, ask what's next.
3. Lead with rhythm, not urgency - Change doesn't have to be a sprint. It can be a cadence. A pulse. A rhythm that respects both the fast movers and the deliberate thinkers.
Leading the Balance: Push or Pause?
What do you make of this? What are your thoughts? Do you face the same issue? How do you handle it?