Written by: David Lutes, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Even though it may not be your preferred role or task, or maybe because there’s no Plan B – you still do it – because you’re Willing to do whatever needs doing … whatever it takes. You step up. You go where others won’t go … and do what others are not willing to do!
There will be many times in our lives and careers when solid, reliable, consistent, ‘rising to the challenge’ and accommodating actions are what’s needed. People who are like this will see things through and may even win or ‘save the day’ – or someone else’s bacon … simply, because they are willing to be available, follow through and help out – play their part or do their bit. Sometimes it’s because there is no Plan B, or C, or even a bad Plan A. And yes, sadly, their (your) work ethic and willing attitude may be taken advantage of by others. But still…
You step in.
You’re willing to try.
You get the job done.
You go above and beyond the call of duty.
You go the extra mile, even when it’s not your job.
You cross the line.
You step up.
That’s what you do.
That’s just who you are.
Everyone knows that!
Add into the ‘mix’ an unselfish heart and attitude, and you probably often stand alone amongst colleagues and friends – respected and appreciated, but still, alone. No one else will do what you do. You are willing to at least try; willing to get your hands ‘bloody’ and ‘dirty’ because, well, someone has to!
“The willingness to try creates the ability to do.” (Peter McWilliams - adapted)
Not to get too spiritually principled or ‘karmaesque’ (which I don’t believe in anyway), but in my humble opinion, Willingness (to rise to the challenge, to step in or step up when no one else can - or will) - when lived out and demonstrated with a good heart, will come back to bless you - Big Time!
“Whatever your hand finds to do … you do it with all your might as unto the Lord – as if He is your boss on-site!” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 and Colossians 3:23 paraphrased and adapted)
But I’m Not Willing to Be Stuck in ‘Willing Mode’ Forever!
There will be times during your career journey when ‘willingly filling in’ simply won’t cut it – won’t be enough for your heart and mind – and especially for those of you reading this, who are managers and leaders. You are simply not willing, or not able, to look down the road of blocked or locked-up potential, and/or a stymied career with a belief in compromise. For you, Will Do, Will Be is an all-CAPS statement of inevitable ‘triumph’.
The idea of being ‘simply willing’ is not what you aim for – is not in your sights.
That said, if you have discovered even a small kernel of truth about what it means to be a Servant Leader or even a Servant Follower, then you will still probably maintain a healthy perspective and weigh up the blessings and ‘curses’ of your efforts and will probably still conclude – ‘It was worth it! I’m still willing to do it, the small thing … if that’s what it takes to get the job done.’
Then, at other times, it will leave the taste of discontentment in your ‘mouth’ and a feeling of ‘there must be more to this job, in my future … than this! Surely God must have another purpose for me, another role for me to play!’ You’re willing to stand in, to help out, and even be Plan B – and appreciation shown by the boss from time to time really helps - but you are NOT willing to be stuck in Willing Mode forever. While you have the makings or ‘beginnings’ of a Servant Heart, in the practical world of work, being a willing ‘work horse’ – perpetually – may not be in your ‘long-term’ motivational DNA.
“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must but take the step.” (Naeem Callaway)
We need to remind ourselves, however, in the world of work, and in the world generally, NOT being opposed to doing something is not always the same as willing to do it. Sometimes you have to ‘suck it up’ and will yourself to even be willing – if you get my drift. When the situation or the boss makes a case about something that “must be done”, we have to make a choice. And it is at that point that we discover our ‘why’. Why will I or should I do it? What is the reason – can I put my heart into it? What are the consequences if I don’t do it? What’s in it for me if I do?
Motivation as part of being willing and Willing to Do can be a once-in-time action and choice. For whatever reason, you are willing to do this or that. “Ok, I’ll do it … it’s not a big deal.” And, as I write that, I’m thinking, “This whole discussion feels like a circular conflict-headache waiting to happen”.
Willing to Be, however, suggests a ‘choice history’, a habit if you like, and you may be becoming something, or someone, that is not really you. The need, or call, or request, or order (e.g. from your employer) to ‘step up and do’ may lead you to conclude, choose, and say, “No”. I’m not ‘willing to become’ that person. A line in the sand may need to be drawn. The values that live 'inside' a willing heart tell us something about the 'what' and the 'why' we may choose to 'do'. There are consequences that are furiously racing through our minds as we say, “No”.
Note: Stay tuned for Part 9 next month that focuses on “Absolutely Will NOT Do!”.
“By the way, yearning, longing, aspiring, willing, and eagerly hoping to find more, do more and be more is perfectly within God’s calling for us – we are called to use all that He has equipped us with, and placed within us, for His glory and for our families. Don’t be afraid to trust Him, go for it, and embrace it.” (David Lutes)
Not much more to say about this side of the ‘Willing Coin’. We all need to be honest about where our hearts are and how firm our values foundation is. So many people who are amazing, incredible examples, exemplary people in so many ways - completely high off our ‘admiration chart’ – these people are able to do what they love, do it excellently, and work incredibly hard. And yet they still find the grace and energy to do the little things – be the small bits of ‘glue’ – that keep their families and teams or departments ticking – and hold the world together and keep it turning.
These people are Willing to help … just Willing to always be part of the solution … no accolades needed … they are just authentic, willing, serving people. Doing whatever it takes for the benefit and good of others and whatever the need is before them. This attitude is not always in me; is not often my ‘thing’ … but maybe it’s not you. Maybe it is you. God bless you hugely if it is!
“You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start … you will!” (Stephen King)
The flip side of the 'willing to' coin
Briefly, there is another side to ‘Willing’, however. I would urge you to revisit Part One of these articles and purposely bring your Personal Values into this part of the discussion - and then, as mentioned above, wait expectantly for Part Nine next month.
We need to speak bluntly. The negative side of the Willingness ‘coin’ is associated with Compromise. Settling for less. Choosing the lesser of two evils or favoring the greater of two goods or rights. Betraying our values or adjusting them for the greater good. Opting for shortcuts that don’t violate safety, health, quality, etc.
That said, we may be confronted with doing whatever it takes – even if it may be questionable, unethical, or contrary to our beliefs and values. Or maybe it just doesn’t sit well with us for whatever reason. But we still do it. And may regret it. Or it may come back to bite us in that part of our personality, character and reputation ‘anatomy’ that hurts our careers – and may even damage the trust we’ve established with our teams and organization. Compromise can also be a flexible, un-demanding, compliant attitude that borderlines on an ‘art form’ for the good of others or the situation.
“If you’re not willing to face the consequences, don’t cross the line.” (Unknown)
In conclusion, focus now more specifically on your current job and your ‘Must Do and Be’ career hopes and dreams. Bring this discussion into your own life and job – right now.
Another aspect of this side of the Willing To Do or Be coin; I can be willing to try, to do, to be something in some situation or for someone and my reasons and motivation can be utterly selfish. I may be doing it for totally self-serving reasons and be completely uncaring in my heart. I can even fake a ‘willing heart’. I can do what is right - simply because it's a right and good thing to do (according to organizational and social ‘rules’ and norms) – but it’s not a ‘heart thing’.
And, sadly sometimes, that can be enough. The Willing to Be and Do for others title will stick to us … for awhile.
We have trouble, sometimes, drawing ‘won’t do’/’not willing to’ lines in the sand, especially when the choices we need to make may have impact or negative or ‘challenging’ consequences. Or, when it doesn’t just affect my job and career path – but also doesn’t negatively affect others and my family. We may also need to just flip the coin and make the call. The key to more painlessly navigating this coin-tossing journey (or minefield) is for us to be much more self-aware and have a high level of Emotional Intelligence – and a solid Values foundation.
Know yourself well enough to anticipate your own feelings when right or wrong choices are made – and have a Plan B.
For example, which of the following situations can you relate to?
He is not willing to concede any of his power. Because...
You have to be willing to see other people's points of view. Because...
They need an assistant who is willing to stay for six months. Because...
The success of the talks depends on whether both sides are willing to make some concessions. Because...
If you don't want the job, there's no end of people willing to take your place. Because...
He was willing to do whatever it takes to make sure his daughter got the medical treatment she needed. Because...
She was willing to do whatever it takes, steal, lie, cheat, compromise - to make sure her family lacked for nothing. Because...
They were willing to do the dirty work; the things no one else would do - simply because it was necessary to reach the objective. Because...
She had to decide if she was willing to take some risks and compromise on quality and safety issues in order to meet the project deadline and avoid heavy costs in penalties. Because...
He was willing to go without sleep and sacrifice his health in order to ensure the project proposal was completed on time, perfectly and with the possibility of a big bonus. Because...
They were willing to pick up other people’s garbage that was thrown carelessly in the supermarket parking lot. Because...
“When you say, ‘Yes’ to others, make sure you’re not saying, ‘No’ to yourself” (Paul Coelho)
David Lutes, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
David Lutes is a global talent management, organizational development and leadership coach, consultant and trainer. A former church pastor, he is radically and passionately committed to helping people discover their meaning, purpose and direction for their life and career. He has been described as a 'gift and latent skill detector and developer', as he helps people and the organizations they work in discover the wealth and richness within their people.
