In the workplace, a dragon slayer is someone who attacks big problems.
The dragon slayer is fearless.
The dragon slayer wants to instigate big change.
The dragon slayer puts him or herself at great risk.
The dragon slayer isn’t interested in playing small ball.
Consequently, the dragon slayer is admired and looked up to. In short, the dragon slayer is a leader.
Are you a dragon slayer?
Too often in the workplace, we hear things like:
– “So-and-so won’t approve that change.”
– “It’s not worth the effort. We’ll only end up back where we started.”
– “I’m not going to stick my neck out for this. It’s not worth it.”
Because of the prevalence of attitudes that lead people to say these types of things, big changes are difficult to make in the workplace.
Those attitudes develop because management rewards those who do as they are told and punishes those who take risks or stir the pot.
The problem is, things don’t ever change radically.
Sure, incremental changes occur. And fixes and improvements take place. But the underlying problem still exists. It’s like putting a Band-Aid on a broken leg. Surgery and a cast are required, but only a cosmetic dressing is applied.
Enter the dragon slayer.
The dragon slayer needs to be fearless. She doesn’t care about workplace politics as much as she cares about getting real results.
The dragon slayer is interested in instigating big change. He comes to work with a surgeon’s kit and leaves the box of Band-Aids for others. He wants to solve real problems.
The dragon slayer puts herself at great risk. She knows that her co-workers will not stand and fight during the actual battle. She knows that she is alone when the dragon is roaring. She knows the group will join her when the dragon lies dead on the ground. She knows that if the dragon wins, she will be left standing alone.
The dragon slayer isn’t interested in playing small ball. He knows that others play it safe by laying down bunts. Because he has big things to accomplish, he swings for the fences.
Being a dragon slayer isn’t for the meek.
Being a dragon slayer is a contact sport.
Being a dragon slayer is for those who want to make big, lasting changes.
Are the problems you attack big or small?
Are you in the battle, or are you standing safely off to the side?
Are you a dragon slayer?