Develop a high tolerance for criticism.
Leading toward sustained results in challenging times will often lead to criticism and being misunderstood. Leaders who get things done have to develop tough skin and personal resolve.
A Senior Vice President had to explain to his Regional Sales Managers, who were celebrating a profitable year, that while they had met expectations on profitability, new sales revenue had actually slipped. The SVP believes the numbers indicate a weakness and future problems that need to be addressed. One of the managers wanted to know why he couldn’t just celebrate the success.
Leaders who achieve sustained results in difficult times seek to understand and communicate the story the numbers are telling. Even if that story is unpopular.