People are torn between wanting to leave the past behind and holding onto it for security. We do not want to repeat the mistakes, but we love the predictability of what is known.

We want to reduce risk as well as the comfort of knowing exactly how things will work out.  These factors provide temptation to stay with the tested practices from the past.

However, if leaders had stayed with past successes, we would not have electricity, airplanes, or convenience food.  Fortunately, there have been leaders who were willing to risk in order to forge a different path.

To begin a new venture you have to accept risk, and separate from the norm.

By definition, leading means moving towards something, to create momentum, and to influence others.  Leadership can only occur if we are willing to try something new and determine not to be satisfied with the status quo.  To create new pathways, strategies, and opportunities for growth; leaders must do the following:

*Always be watching for new information or trends that might impact what or how you deliver products/services to your clients.

*Ask broad questions about what you do.  Questions such as, what assumptions are holding us back?  If I were to start over, how would I approach this?  What are we putting effort into that is not providing value?

*Listen to your team.  What are their observations, frustrations, and insights?

*Value your stakeholders.  We have to value our stakeholders and what needs we are meeting.  Clients and team members vote with their money and their feet.  If you are losing clients or team members, they most likely are telling you that things are not meeting their needs.

How are you doing at forging new paths?   Do not wait for something to happen before you engage in innovative thinking, and forge new pathways.  Whether it is a small or large change is not important.  What is imperative is that you have the courage and determination not to repeat the past.