Ruthlessly Caring

CHAPTER 7RESPONSIBLY DARING

Pure pragmatism can't imagine a bold future. Pure idealism can't get anything done. It is the delicate blend of both that drives innovation.

—Simon Sinek, author and inspirational speaker

What Is a ‘Responsibly Daring’ Mindset?

Responsibly daring leaders hold the following mindset:

• They have the opportunity and responsibility to do something meaningful, that makes a difference and has a lasting impact.
• They must be realistic when working with their purpose and beliefs.
• They believe everything is worth trying and anything is possible.
• They must stay positive and see the opportunities in difficult moments.

Future-fit leaders drive innovation and business transformation via a blend of pragmatic idealism. They dream big, take risks, and carefully steward their organisation into the future. They are relentlessly positive, believe anything is possible; at the same time, they stay realistic about what can and needs to be achieved to create long-term value and safeguard the business.

The ‘responsible’ side of the mindset is about leaders taking responsibility for two things:

1. for making a difference – creating long-term value not just for investors but for multiple stakeholders, including employees, customers, shareholders, people within their supply chain, the environment, society, and future generations to come.
2. for safeguarding the business – ‘keeping the lights on’; protecting people's jobs and livelihoods by ensuring the business stays successful, ...