Leadership expert Farshad Asl believes, “It takes a leader to create the momentum, it takes a vision to direct the momentum, it takes a massive action to build on the momentum, and it takes self-discipline to sustain the momentum.”

Momentum. . . a powerful invisible source of energy that is often initiated by a leader who has released the past, is focused on a better future and is willing to invest the energy to make it a reality.

Leaders literally reveal the potential of their organization by what they focus on. Are you remodeling, remaking, redesigning the past or intent on designing and constructing a fresh future? Momentum surfaces when the future potential is clearly in focus and aligned with a commanding purpose.

To activate “Big Mo” – Momentum, a leader. . .

·         Creates a Collaborative Culture. Momentum cannot survive in an adversarial environment. A unified, cooperative effort puts the wheels in motion and helps sustain results producing action.

·         Casts and Clarifies the Vision. Impressive achievements are not driven by the past but pulled by a clear vision of the future that ignites passion in people. As Steve Jobs believed, “If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision gives you momentum.” 

·         Continuously Inspires the Team Through Continual Connection, Communication, Counsel, and Cheerleading. Leaders cannot influence the direction of the team from a distance. Get up close with people. Authentic relationships built on mutual trust and respect jumpstart a team’s efforts.

·         Displays Contagious Passion and Ensures Consistent Execution. Composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim believed, “Having just the vision is no solution, everything depends on execution.” Add a dose of passion to the execution and you have a winning formula.

Notice the action orientation model for the leader. Momentum isn’t created by “contemplating” action.

Intention is great. Action is necessary. Andy Gove was right: “Most companies fritter away their momentum and their valuable resources while attempting to make a decision.”

Inaction, hesitation, or indecision will sabotage momentum. Uncertainty is a certain formidable enemy.

So, What Do You Do?

First, realize it takes incredible energy, effort, and enthusiasm to make Big MO a reality.

Then, as CEO of the Chrysler Corporation, Lee Iacocca, responded to that question this way: “Anything. Something. So long as we just don’t sit there. If we screw it up, start over. Try something else. If we wait until we’ve satisfied all the uncertainties, it may be too late.”

What should you be doing today so that six months from now you’ll say, “Man, am I glad I started this months ago!”

What are you waiting for?

Uncertainty creates paralysis or a let’s wait and see how things go mentality. 

NO! Act! Even if it doesn’t work out, it is better than sitting around waiting for something good to happen.

Forward momentum wins over playing it safe.

Leaders, the things you think, the choices you make, and the actions you take will dramatically impact the degree of momentum your team experiences.

Make it happen!