Lead the Change | Last the Distance

Leaders challenge the status quo, take risks, and lead change 

Leaders take people to places they have never been. They are explorers. They are thinkers. They are guides. They are generals who lead into new territory and create a new way of life. 

Effective leaders must search out opportunities to innovate, grow, and improve. They learn the process of change and how to do it well. Successful leaders perceive a need and convince their organizations that it is time for change. It begins with you creating and communicating a clear, compelling vision to a guiding coalition who then carries it to others. You and this inner circle then address processes necessary to accomplish the change and continually challenge the processes to keep them going. 

Leaders are more than masters of change; they are masters of handling uncertainty. They must be able to make decisions under conditions of extreme uncertainty and guide the often-frenetic motion of change toward one end. When things appear to unravel, leaders show group members the exciting new world that can be created out of the pieces. 

Even on the rare but sometimes inevitable occasions when change reaches a level of chaos, leaders can still operate effectively. When tough times require tough decisions, leaders can draw from the wisdom of the Holy Spirit, who is accessible through prayer, alongside trusted mentors and peers. 

Leaders possess determination, enthusiasm, energy, perseverance, and hardiness 

Vigor, drive, and resolve are essential attributes in a leader’s life. Endurance and hardiness display the long-term evidence of true commitment. 

A strong determination to achieve a goal or realize a vision cannot is required. It becomes a passion. Not seen in momentary surges, this energy emanates hardiness and perseverance. The values and purposes of the organization must be important enough to leaders for them to pay the price for longevity. Endurance is critical for leadership.  

Consider Howard Schultz and the early days of Starbucks. Schultz had a clear vision to transform a small coffee bean retailer into a café experience centered on community. But the path was anything but smooth. He faced repeated rejections from investors—over 200 of them—who didn’t see the potential in his idea. Even after gaining traction, the company hit seasons of decline, forcing Schultz to return as CEO years later to rebuild what had begun to drift. 

What stands out is not a single moment of passion, but sustained endurance. Schultz didn’t chase every opportunity or react impulsively to pressure. He refocused on the core vision—quality, customer experience, and culture—and made disciplined decisions to protect the company’s long-term health. His perseverance wasn’t just about pushing harder; it was about staying centered on his vision over time. 

So, how do you persist as the flag-carrying leader month after month? You need to strengthen your resolve to stay centered on the high-level, critical issues. Determine what those are for you. Strategically choose your energy output to protect your endurance. Without doing so, leaders cannot effectively focus, encourage others, or create a vision of an enterprise that will accomplish its mission long-term. 

The passion for your vision will carry you on the long journey.