This may seem like a non sequitur. After all, leaders know that things change. But many leaders whom I have encountered don't make connection and fail to realize that results are limitless.

But there is a connection -- a profound connection. And leaders who don't make that connection, don't live that connection, are giving short shrift to their leadership and people they lead.

Living by results-are-limitless credo can set you apart as a leader who consistently gets results, no matter what challenge you face.

Start to take a small but well-defined step to manifest results-are-limitless leadership.

(1) Identify. Identify one thing you think is NOT BEING QUESTIONED. Make sure it is something people believe has "reached limit of its development." It may be a product or features of a product. It may be way your organization is structured. It may be a successful engineering program.

(2) Question. Treat it as if it's fundamental premise were false. Can you shoot holes in logical reasons for its existence? If it ain't broke, see what would happen if you break (change) it — with one end in mind, achieving more results.

(3) Change. See if you can come up with answers that will lead either to replacing what you're questioning or improving it.

(4) Continue. Don't look at this as an academic assignment. It's not homework. It's beginning of making credo part of DNA of your leadership.

Repeat: This as a leadership endeavor. Determine who are cause leaders you need to make change happen. Talk to them about how they would take leadership to affect that change. You should not only have "What if ... " discussions but more importantly, "Why not ... "discussions.

2005 © The Filson Leadership Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

5. Promote Fights: Fighting sure beats resentment. Setting up a culture where resolving conflict is strongly encouraged will save team from building long-term resentments. It is not necessary to have a Don King haircut and announce, "The Beating in Meeting" - but you will benefit from promoting an atmosphere that does not avoid conflict. Although "fighting" is not fun and can be painful, resentment can destroy a cohesive team without anyone realizing it. If you notice tensions building, step in and encourage a healthy resolution to situation. Deal with it now, or it may spread like a cancer on your entire team.

6. Create Connections: It only feels like they happen naturally. If you wait for them to happen, they might not. Schedule opportunities for team members to connect. This can be done as part of a regular meeting. It can be done by switching pairings for different assignments. There is a reason armed services put soldiers through basic training - they develop individual soldiers and build connections between soldiers. Have you ever witnessed two old army buddies reunite? It's enough to bring a tear to your eye! A strong connection is powerful.

7. Role Play: Make sure everyone knows role each person plays. Role ambiguity has ruined more teams than you can imagine. Not knowing what you are supposed to be doing is frustrating. Not knowing what other members should or should not be doing can be down right annoying. As leader, make sure people know part they play as individuals and group members. Clear roles will help you avoid hearing "how come Bob doesn't have to do this...?"

History is filled with many examples of great leaders keeping their team together during difficult situations. Ernest Shackleton's expedition into Antarctic ended with his team successfully working together to survive. Their boat was crushed by ice and somehow team worked together to brave fiercest conditions imaginable. Shackleton's team remained connected because they followed above seven steps. Surely you can use them to help your team face challenges of your workplace.