28 - The Courage to Rethink: Why Strong Leaders Change Their Minds
- Jennifer Diamond
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
Updated: May 4
How Adaptability Strengthens Leadership, Not Weakens It
Introduction: The Fear of Changing Course
Leaders are often praised for being decisive, confident, and unwavering in their vision.
Employees look for leaders who provide clarity and direction.
Organizations want executives who can stand by tough decisions.
Stakeholders expect leaders to stay committed to a strategy once it’s set.
But what happens when new information proves that an original decision was flawed?
What if market conditions shift, and the strategy that once made sense no longer serves the organization?
What if a team raises concerns, and their insights reveal a better way forward?
What if the right leadership move isn’t pushing forward harder—but having the courage to change course?
Strong leaders aren’t the ones who never change their minds.
They’re the ones who know when to adjust, when to pivot, and when to rethink—without losing credibility or confidence.
Step 1: Rethinking Isn’t Weakness—It’s Leadership Strength
There’s a common misconception that changing direction is a sign of uncertainty or failure.
In reality, the strongest leaders are those who:
Recognize when new information calls for a shift.
Adapt to changing circumstances rather than staying locked into past decisions.
Prioritize the best path forward, even if it means adjusting their previous stance.
An executive leading a global expansion strategy was deeply invested in the original plan. The market research was strong. The team had spent months preparing. But early indicators suggested that customer demand wasn’t aligning with expectations.
At first, leadership resisted change, afraid of appearing indecisive. But over time, they realized:
Staying the course wasn’t a sign of conviction—it was a refusal to acknowledge reality.
Pivoting wasn’t abandoning the strategy—it was ensuring that the company didn’t waste resources on a flawed direction.
By openly reassessing the approach, leadership didn’t lose credibility—they strengthened trust by demonstrating practical decision-making over ego-driven attachment.
How to Shift Course Without Losing Leadership Credibility
Frame the change as learning, not failure. Leaders don’t backtrack—they evolve their strategy based on new insights.
Be transparent about the reasoning. People respect leaders who say, “Based on what we’ve learned, this is the better way forward.”
Keep conviction in the mission, even if tactics change. A shift in approach doesn’t mean a lack of vision—it means a commitment to getting it right.
Leadership Reflection:
Do I view adjusting direction as a weakness, or as a sign of smart leadership?
Am I making decisions based on what is best now, or what was best when the original choice was made?
Have I built a culture where teams feel safe to challenge past assumptions?
Step 2: Recognizing When It’s Time to Change Course
Step 3: Creating a Culture Where Rethinking Is Normalized, Not Penalized
Final Thought: The Strongest Leaders Know When to Hold Firm and When to Adjust
Great leadership isn’t about never changing your mind. It’s about knowing when to stay the course and when to pivot toward a better path.
Before your next major decision, ask yourself:
Am I holding onto this course of action because it’s right—or because it was the original choice?
Have I built the flexibility to adjust when new insights emerge?
Do I model rethinking as part of smart leadership?
Because the best leaders aren’t the ones who never change their minds. They’re the ones who know when rethinking is the smartest move they can make.
This post is part of Maypop Grove’s Leadership Evolution Series—a collection of in-depth reflections on leadership, influence, and strategy. Designed for leaders navigating complexity, this series explores how to drive change, build resilient teams, and lead with confidence.
©2025 Maypop Grove, LLC. All rights reserved.
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