Strong leaders don’t like the “B” concept. We want to make a grade of “A.” We want “A” players on our team. We demand “A” quality work. Anything below that mythical “A” is just not acceptable.
But sometimes we must deal with “B” plans.
Plan A didn’t work because we don’t have the resources. Or perhaps our first choice is not feasible because of either internal or external political realities. Similarly, it is not unusual to see Plan A delayed or defeated because our plan conflicts with someone else’s plan. So their plan trumps ours.
What kind of leader are we when we are confronted with Plan B?
The Greatness of Plan B Leaders: Five Tests
It’s not that difficult to lead when everything goes your way. As long as we get our way, get the level of resources we want, and don’t have any opposition or counter plans to ours, we can lead smoothly. Leadership in the fantasy world of Plan A is a piece of cake. But true leaders are made and tested in the Plan B world."
How do you lead when you don’t get all you need? How do you move forward when significant roadblocks impede the progress you dreamed of making? What do you do if the world as you know it changes so much that you have to start over with your leadership plans?
"The best leaders today are leading in that Plan B world, a world that is tumultuous, ever changing, and limited in resources."
Look at the five questions below. They will give you a good idea if you are a great Plan B leader. And if you’re not, they might point to some ways to move in that direction.
1. Do you have the right attitude when Plan A fails? Or do you pout? Do you give up leading? Do you complain about how others are messing up your plans? Some of the greatest leaders our world has known were tested and proven worthy when they led in a Plan B world.
2. Do you see roadblocks as opportunities? Some of the greatest discoveries were made in the aftermath of a failure. Some of the greatest companies were birthed after others failed. Some of the greatest accomplishments were made because new plans had to be devised due to a perceived lack of resources.
3. Do you encourage others when Plan A fails? Followers look to their leaders when something does not go just the way everyone had hoped. Do they see hope or encouragement from us? Or do they see defeat and despair?
4. Can you make paradigmatic shifts? I love the Apollo 13 story. Three guys were headed to the moon on April 11, 1970. Their great plans failed when an oxygen tank exploded two days later, crippling the service module. The crew had limited power, loss of cabin heat, shortage of potable water, and a system that couldn’t remove carbon dioxide. The leaders of the ground crew, along with the flight crew, were told to “work the problem.” They had to create something out of seemingly nothing. They couldn’t look at their challenges as they did just 48 hours earlier. In order to save lives, everyone involved had to see the challenge from a new paradigm. Great plan B leaders seek and embrace new paradigms.
5. Do you find joy in your leadership that rises above circumstances? Life is a gift. Leading others and organizations is a gift as well. Certainly, plans will sometimes fail, and circumstances won’t always go our way. Can we find joy in all circumstances? Others will see that joy in us and be inspired to persevere and, ultimately, seize the victory.
Challenging Times, Great Leaders
Though it is cliché, great leaders do rise in tough times. No one doubts the complexity of the world we live. No one doubts the reality of the rapid pace of change. No one doubts the challenges.
It is in these times that we will see some of the greatest demonstrations of leadership. Plan A may be the preferred path for most of us. But Plan B leadership will tell the story of the true leaders among us.
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