Leadership in Action: Doors of Perception: Getting Others to Notice the New You

RESOLVING CONFLICT

When leaders can't achieve their transitional goals, the problem may be conflicting commitments. It's important for leaders to figure this out so that as they work on change they can still honor competing commitments. This is especially important when a leader's reputation is at stake.

One executive, for example, wanted to lose weight, but this goal conflicted with his desire to give himself, his family, and his employees “the very best,” mostly in the form of food. He had to become aware of this rival goal before he could honor it in a different way and still reach his personal goal of becoming healthier. He had a reputation as a generous man and did not want to jeopardize that esteem. But he had to learn to be magnanimous ...