Are you following the crowd when it comes to the way you lead? You may not think so.
However, if you are like most leaders, you may unwittingly suffer from “the Bandwagon Effect” without knowing it.
The Bandwagon Effect is a cognitive bias that can cause us to think and act in certain ways if we believe others are doing the same.
My father had a different way of describing it.
“Monkey see, monkey do, Patti,” he would quip.
Does any of this sound familiar?
1. Do you react to the current conditions that affect your business, rather than anticipate and plan for change? Or do you hesitate to adopt new practices or approaches until you see others doing this with success?
Learning to read the business landscape and anticipate with confidence and action enables you to lead out in front. Otherwise, you will be left behind.
2. Are you shortchanging the development of your own leadership?
It’s necessary to stay relevant and sharp. Reading the latest books everyone else recommends, as well as attending recommended conferences and industry meetings is important. But do you take a systematic approach to developing your personal leadership? Intentionally targeting and working on your personal blind spots and growth opportunities is key to operating at your best.
3. Are you missing an accountability mechanism for your leadership development?
The Bandwagon Effect would reflect that you rely on your board or your colleagues, holding you accountable for business outcomes. But who supports you rising to your potential in the way you lead? Be sure you have a confidential “internal board of directors” for this, comprised of leaders who have your back, understand you and your business, and invite you to take responsibility for your growth.
Where does the Bandwagon Effect show up in the way that you lead yourself and your business? I challenge you over the coming week to carefully examine the way you make decisions and take action to see where you can break away and get out in front.
© Patti Cotton and patticotton.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that attribution is made to Patti Cotton and patticotton.com, with links thereto.
Patti Cotton reenergizes talented leaders and their teams to achieve fulfillment and extraordinary results. For more information on how Patti Cotton can help you and your organization, click here.
Leave a Reply