Self-efficacy

5/24/2012

“Doing nothing is the invisible mistake”
Rosabeth Moss Kanter

Self-efficacy is a leadership characteristic that is rarely mentioned even by the academic types who continuously study and publish on this ancient art.  Self-efficacy describes people who possess self-confidence, sound judgment, prudence, and courage to make timely and effective decisions that are often unpopular to the masses.  These people tend to have strong convictions, great initiative, and the will to attack mediocrity, while observing and examining every opportunity and leaving no idea behind.  In short, they possess “practical wisdom” that is described by Samuel Coleridge as “common sense in an uncommon degree.”

Leaders with self-confidence, judgment, and courage pursue change in the face of opposition.  Not only do they possess sound judgment but they believe in their own ability to judge.  I recall the story told by Lee Cockerell, former Executive Vice President of Disney World.  Explaining to his staff the difficulty in selling change, Lee told how his wife annoyed him by serving green Tabasco sauce with his meatloaf in place of his long-time favorite red Tabasco sauce.  His wife insisted Lee try the green sauce, which he did and was converted.  Lee’s demonstrative point to his staff was, “Can you imagine the push back at Tabasco when someone suggested the company produce a green sauce?”

So, how do we recognize leaders who possess the self-efficacy to make the necessary changes that turn around a floundering company?  More importantly, how do we develop such leaders who have this dynamic personal characteristic to lead our nation in these challenging days?  I remember Colonel Mike Lowe’s description of the three ways leaders develop – those who learn by reading, those who learn by observing and finally, those who have to touch the electric fence.