leadership consistency

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Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Let’s try and unpack a rarely discussed but hugely impactful topic: The Diderot Effect and its implications in leadership.

For the uninitiated, the Diderot Effect refers to the pattern of one purchase or change leading to a series of unanticipated subsequent changes. The name hails from Denis Diderot, an 18th-century French philosopher who wrote an essay on how the gift of a luxurious robe led him to upscale his entire lifestyle, leaving him in debt and despair.

Now, what does an 18th-century robe have to do with modern leadership? Quite a lot, in my opinion. 

In leadership, the Diderot Effect often manifests as one change in a team or process leading to an unforeseen cascade of additional changes, which can create inconsistency, confusion, and a departure from core values. So, how do we, as leaders, prevent falling into this trap?

1. Recognize the Diderot Effect: Awareness is the first step. By understanding the concept and acknowledging its potential presence, you’re better equipped to recognize when you might be heading down a slippery slope.

2. Stay Grounded in Core Values: Every organization and leader has a set of core values. When faced with the prospect of change, assess its alignment with these values. Actively and continually ask yourself and your team if a decision or action aligns with your values. If something doesn’t fit, don’t do it. 

3. Encourage Open Communication: Foster a culture where team members feel comfortable voicing their concerns. Sometimes, they’ll spot a potential Diderot spiral before you do. Make sure you are providing a psychologically safe space for people to communicate. This point is key.

4. Slow Down Decision-Making: Rapid, unchecked changes often lead to the Diderot Effect. Instead, take your time to weigh the pros and cons of each decision, understanding the long-term implications. Although the world is moving at warp speed, it does not mean you have to. 

5. Maintain Cohesive Leadership: Leaders must present a united front. If leadership becomes fragmented, it’s easier for the Diderot Effect to creep in. Regularly sync with your leadership team, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

6. Train Your Eyes on the End Goal: While catching up in the whirlwind of day-to-day tasks is natural, keep your eyes on the overarching objectives. This helps ensure that any change you introduce is purposeful and aligned with the end goal. It’s so easy to get caught up working in the business that we forget to look up and ensure we are headed in the right direction. 

7. Limit External Pressures: It’s not uncommon for leaders to feel pressured to implement changes based on industry trends or competitor movements. While it’s vital to remain aware and agile, it’s equally important not to adopt changes blindly. Filter out the noise and focus on what genuinely benefits your organization. Not every new and shiny PropTech tool is necessary or helpful. And don’t get me wrong, I like new and shiny PropTech tools. Just be prudent and not time-bound.

8. Conduct Regular Check-ins: Regularly review processes, changes, and their ripple effects regularly. This helps catch a potential Diderot spiral early and ensures you’re constantly refining and improving.

The essence of the Diderot Effect is not inherently negative. It simply underscores the interconnectedness of decisions and their potential impacts. By understanding its nuances and maintaining a proactive approach, leaders can navigate their teams successfully, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with core objectives.

Remember, leadership isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about understanding them and developing strategies to tackle them head-on. Here’s to combatting the Diderot Effect and leading with clarity and purpose!