leaders are heretical

This picture reminds me to break the rules. Although I'm almost certain its been through Photoshop...

Leaders are heretical. But no one ever changed the world by following the rules.

Heresy is a controversial or novel change to a system of beliefs that conflicts with established dogma.

By definition, there is nothing wrong with heresy. But, it's certainly a dirty word to many people.

Maybe it shouldn't be.

Jesus was "controversial" and represented "novel change to a system of beliefs". He shocked the pharisees on a regular basis.

Looking back on history, most leaders and change makers could also be called heretics.

Todays leaders must not be afraid to break the rules or they may not be leaders at all. In fact, to lead today, you must become comfortable with challenging the status quo. This is especially true because of the fast paced change we experience around us.

If we fail to change we get stuck in the past and what worked in the past will likely fail in the future.

It's easy to "go with the flow" and nod your head when everyone else does. But, I challenge you; don't settle. If you believe something can be better, different, new, then say something about it. Do something about it.

In a world or ruts, routines and robots, step out of the system of normal, toward your vision for the future, and by doing so, you'll be stepping into leadership.

You may be a heretic, but if you are bringing needed change to the world around you... thank you for your heresy.

The world needs more heretics, contrast, change, and people that take risks because they believe in something that's worth the risk.

No one ever changed the world by doing the same thing everyone else was doing.

Seth Godin does a fantastic job talking about heretical leadership in one of my favorite books, Tribes.

Related posts:

1. change is noticed