Are You an Entitled Leader or a Change Agent? How to Spot the Difference and Make a Real Impact in Your Tech Company
You’re in a leadership position at a tech company, but things aren’t perfect. There’s a lack of structure, information doesn’t flow smoothly, and processes could be improved. But here’s the thing: it’s your job to make it better. When there’s no enemy to fight, fighters aren’t needed. That’s where you come in as a leader.
In the face of adversity, there are only two types of leaders: those who are entitled and those who are change agents. Entitled leaders consistently blame the company or other teams for their mistakes or failures rather than taking responsibility for their actions. They prioritize their needs or goals over those of the team or company. They resist change and insist on doing things their way. Most importantly, they assume that things should be different than they are.
On the other hand, change agents are proactive, innovative, and persistent. They deeply understand the organization they’re working with and can effectively communicate their ideas and vision to others. They’re skilled at building relationships and networking, inspiring others to embrace change. They’re not afraid of taking risks or experimenting with new approaches. They don’t wait for someone else to take charge, but instead, they step up and take ownership of their team’s successes and failures.
As Jocko Willink would say, good leaders own their team’s successes and failures. They don’t blame others for their mistakes and take responsibility for fixing problems. They understand that as a leader, you’re not there to lie in a hammock, chill, and relax throughout the leadership journey. Instead, you’re there to make things happen and cause change. A company is a complex structure, but it’s ultimately composed of small human groups, and complaining won’t help.
So, how do you recognize an entitled leader? Look for someone who’s always blaming others and resisting change. How do you spot a change agent? Look for someone who’s proactive, innovative, and persistent, who’s not afraid to take risks and experiment with new approaches. Most importantly, they take ownership of their team’s successes and failures and inspire others to do the same.
As a leader, it’s essential to understand why you’re there. You’re there to drive change and make things better. You can’t complain to mom and dad about the long drive or bumpy road. Instead, you need to take the wheel and steer the course. It won’t always be easy, but it’s the only way to create meaningful change and make a positive impact.
