Leadership is not just about making decisions; it's about making the right decisions for the collective good. While the drive to be right can be strong, true leadership requires a shift in focus toward getting it right. This means shifting from ego-driven decision-making to a more inclusive and outcome-focused approach and understanding that the best outcomes often come from collaboration, adaptability, and a willingness to listen to others. 

What It Means to Be Right

Being right is often tied to one's ego and personal perspective. It means having your ideas, strategies, and decisions validated as correct based on your own standards and understanding. Leaders who focus on being right may cling to their viewpoints and insist on their methods, even when evidence suggests alternative approaches might be more effective. This mindset can create a rigid and stifling environment, where team members feel undervalued and hesitant to contribute their ideas.

What It Means to Get It Right

Getting it right, on the other hand, is about prioritizing the best possible outcomes for the team and the organization. This approach requires leaders to be open to feedback, willing to adapt, and focused on collective success rather than personal validation. Leaders who aim to get it right understand that the best solutions often emerge from collaboration and diverse perspectives. They are willing to let go of their ego and embrace flexibility to achieve the best results.

Examples of How to Get It Right

Listening to Your Team: Effective leaders understand the value of their team's insights. For example, a project manager might initially believe that a particular strategy is best for meeting a deadline. However, by listening to team members who suggest a different approach based on their expertise, the manager can adapt the plan to achieve better results.

Embracing Change: A company leader might be set on launching a new product feature based on market research. Yet, when the development team highlights technical challenges and suggests a different feature that could offer more value to customers, a leader focused on getting it right will consider this input and adjust the strategy accordingly.

Encouraging Innovation: Leaders who prioritize getting it right foster a culture of innovation. Instead of dismissing unconventional ideas, they create an environment where experimentation is encouraged, knowing that some of the best solutions come from thinking outside the box.

The Importance of Recognizing the Difference

Recognizing the difference between being right and getting it right is crucial for effective leadership. Leaders who understand this distinction are better equipped to navigate complex situations and make decisions that benefit the entire organization. They create a culture of trust and respect, where team members feel empowered to share their ideas and contribute to the company's success.

Achieving a Balance Between the Two

While getting it right should be the primary focus, there are situations where being right is also important. eaders must possess a deep understanding of their industry and provide accurate information and guidance. Leadership involves making decisive choices and not deferring all decisions to the team. Leaders must be willing to make tough calls, even with the risk of being wrong. The key is to balance expertise with openness to new ideas. Leaders should be confident in their knowledge while remaining humble enough to acknowledge when others may offer better solutions.

Great leaders should strive for a balance between being right and getting it right. By understanding the importance of both and applying them in different circumstances, leaders can achieve significant success and create lasting impact. Leadership requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a focus on collective goals.

Prioritizing getting it right over being right involves thoughtful consideration of people, resources, and consequences. This approach not only leads to better decision-making but also fosters a positive working environment that motivates and empowers teams. Leaders who are willing to make mistakes, learn from them, and do what's right for their mission and team are the ones who drive their organizations forward. In a rapidly changing world, this mindset is not just beneficial—it's essential.

Looking for more strategies on how to lead well? Check out The Retention Process: Create a Culture of Worth in the Workplace.

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