Dr. Andromeda Hightower explains it beautifully: if you want someone to change, prepare to change yourself first. Yes, it sounds like a parental mantra, but it actually works.
The harder you push, the worse the result. Trying to actively “fix” others often leads to resistance or even backfires. However, leading by example and creating a space for self-reflection can inspire people to evolve on their own terms.
Passive Change Isn’t Laziness— It’s about listening, supporting, and building an environment where someone feels ready to change. It’s not “do as I say” but “hmm, how would you approach this?”
Self-awareness is the secret ingredient. When you understand yourself, it becomes easier for others to change around you. You become an example, and who knows — your ability to embrace change might spark their own little revolutions.
Leadership is about being the spark that ignites change in others. It’s not always easy. Sometimes you may feel like saying, “Figure it out yourselves!” But the truth is, people are more influenced by what management *does* than what it *says.* If a leader yells and belittles but lets deadlines slide with no consequences, no one will aim for results. Why should they? "They'll yell, then forget, and we can go back to doing nothing."
As kids, words and actions create cognitive dissonance; as adults, we learn to ignore the words.
