Emerson on consistency

Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." He criticized leaders who cling to outdated opinions rather than adapting to new circumstances.

“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.”

The modern penalty for changing course

Today's world punishes leaders who change their perspective, branding them flip-floppers. Yet in a dynamic world, opinions and plans should evolve as new information becomes available.

Strategy one: avoid early commitment

Leaders often feel pressure to set a clear position on every breaking issue immediately. Instead, communicate that you lack sufficient information for a decisive opinion and are still gathering facts.

Delay is not indifference

Reinforce that delaying a statement or opinion is not the same as not taking an issue seriously. You can share the steps you are taking before making a firm decision.

Keep options open when needed

When a situation requires action, determine what steps you need to take to prepare, even without committing to a particular course. Keeping multiple options open is sometimes the right approach.

Strategy two: identify your principles

Situations change even with the best information available. Sometimes you must change your mind publicly. The key is demonstrating you have strong core commitments, not just shifting with opinion.

The cynicism problem

When leaders are criticized for changing their mind, it is often not because they now believe something different. Instead, critics assume leaders never had strong commitments and were simply using spin to appease audiences.