“All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence… and then success is assured!” Mark Twain

The art of bold leadership: When changing your mind is the smartest move

As I write, the Chancellor of The Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has just set out her spending plans for this Parliament in the Spending Review.

She is, as you would expect, decidedly upbeat.

However, all is not rosy…

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), there is a weakening in the jobs market and a reduction in the number of people on payrolls, sadly including some notable risk management colleagues.

In April, National Insurance Contributions paid by employers increased whilst a rise in the minimum wage came into force. And the estimated number of available jobs fell to 736,000 over the three months to May.

The figures also showed that the unemployment rate rose from 4.5% to 4.6% – the highest in almost four years– and could rise higher, according to Yael Selfin, Chief Economist at KPMG UK.

So, is it perhaps time for the Government to think again?

Putting aside any politics for the moment, thinking about the possible need for change has made me think about leadership and what it means to change your mind…

Leadership isn’t about being fixated on a course of action; sticking to your guns no matter what.

On the contrary, the bravest leaders are those who can pivot, adapt and, yes, change their minds when the situation calls for it.

The human brain is an ever-evolving workshop. You start off thinking you can assemble the flat-pack furniture without reading the instructions. I mean, it looks simple enough. But then you realise that the drawer fronts on your new chest of drawers won’t fit the appropriate apertures because you did not follow the instructions, and used the wrong locating hardware for the outer carcass.

Now you could carry on down your self-developed path, lopping bits off panels with an electric saw until you have finished some Frankenstein version of what you should have got. Or you could admit that you are wrong and go back, re-evaluate, take some instruction and correct your mistake(s).

In leadership, it is flexibility that sets innovators apart. It’s not about being wishy-washy. It’s about having the courage to admit that new information might render an old plan obsolete. A truly inspiring leader is the one who says, “I see your point, and I think a rethink is in order.”

Let’s face it, admitting you were wrong or that your initial plan wasn’t as brilliant as you thought might feel like a public relations nightmare. But here’s the thing…

When you display a genuine willingness to revise your approach, you not only build trust but also spark a culture where creativity thrives. Being a leader is like playing cricket. There’s a rhythm that demands both precision and improvisation. What makes for a great batting innings isn’t just the well practiced shots, but the spontaneous flair that comes when you have to deal with the unexpected. The condition of the pitch, the weather and even mistakes all mean you need an ability to adapt – and at pace.

Leaders who change their minds fearlessly are like batsmen with dazzling footwork and well-honed strokes… they gracefully sidestep potential missteps to deliver performances that leave everyone gasping at their talent. This dynamic interplay between decisiveness and adaptability not only charms your team but also sets the stage for game-changing breakthroughs.

In a world that glorifies unwavering resolve, there’s an ironic charm to leaders who embody flexibility. When you champion a mindset of “I’m committed to excellence, even if it means rewriting the roadmap,” you transform potential pitfalls into pathways for progress.

It might seem counterintuitive at first, but the very act of reassessing and adjusting your stance signals strength, not weakness. The ability to change your mind demonstrates that you value the truth and the collective wisdom over personal pride.

After all, leadership isn’t about proving you’re impeccable; it’s about steering the ship through stormy seas with the willingness to drop sail when the winds change direction.

So, the next time you find yourself clinging to an idea like it’s the last slice of pizza at a party, remember… true leadership is the quirky blend of confidence in your vision and the agility to adjust course when needed. It’s a nod to the chaos of life, a wink at the unpredictable, and a salute to the brilliant mess of creativity that defines us.

Changing your mind isn’t a sign of failure. It’s one of the most daring leadership moves that you can make… a proclamation of both humility and wisdom.

What might be your next big idea adjustment?

Perhaps it’s time to challenge your own assumptions…?

And isn’t that a fascinating lead-in to re-evaluating how you manage risk in your business and look for new opportunities?

Dan Hardy

CEO