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I have the opportunity to be a part of a program that works with more than 17,000 high school students. Additionally, I have many opportunities to speak to audiences of young leaders. There are so many amazing qualities of this generation, but one pervasive quality is quite concerning—many in this generation place far too high of a premium on feelings. In our culture, we have become so afraid of offending someone that we water down facts in hopes of making sure no one could possibly be offended or disagree. A culture where the highest value is consensus is a culture that will crumble under the weight of political correctness. To be clear, I am not saying that listening to others is a negative thing, but our core convictions should not change with every wind that blows.
Former National Football League Coach Tony Dungy said it this way - “Stubbornness is a virtue if you are right.” The ideas that truly change the world are the ones that people and companies have a stubborn unwillingness to change over.
Consider Martin Luther King Jr. He refused to water down his principles because he knew what he believed was right—not always popular at the time, certainly not easy, but right. He maintained an uncompromising commitment to equality for all people and changed the course of American history as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement.
Or how about Steve Jobs? He was committed to making personal computers that were user-friendly. Even in the midst of discouragement from his peers and after being fired by his board of directors, he relentlessly followed his ambition, and as a result, Apple changed the marketplace for computers and personal technology.
Or how about Malala Yousafzai, someone who made a difference as a teenager? Malala has a passion for education and believes that all children should be able to go to school. Even after being shot by a member of the Taliban for taking a stand on this issue, she continues to fight for this cause and became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.
Don’t water down your idea, regardless of what somebody else tells you. This doesn’t mean you have to be a jerk, but it’s incumbent upon you to stand for something that can make a difference. Don’t let this culture of compromise stop you from changing the world.
Don’t let this culture of compromise stop you from changing the world.
The world is looking for bold leaders. The world is looking for passionate people who are willing to stand for something bigger than themselves. Whether these beliefs are focused on a business initiative, a charitable cause, or just a way to do things differently, the world needs your passion.
Our world needs a generation of individuals who have bold, world-changing ideas that are willing to do whatever it takes to see them through. What a shame that some would sacrifice a solution that could change the world simply to spare someone’s feelings. How many profoundly positive products were never created because someone put too much focus on building consensus? Those great ideas go to the graveyard as an unfortunate result of the culture of compromise.
Do you have a belief or an idea that you think could change the world? If so, the advice is simple: Be bold, have courage, and don’t be afraid to passionately pursue it. Be courteous. Be conscientious. But don’t compromise your beliefs.
