Have you ever been disappointed by the results of a change initiative? Have you ever worked with someone who was renowned for being late in completing projects or attending meetings? Have you heard: “Change takes a long time.” “Change is hard.” “People do not like change.” “People resist change.” Have you found these comments to be consistent with your past experiences? Would you be interested in experiencing change in a more effective and empowering way?

This story about Ben illustrates how easily a leader can shift a team member’s self-limiting perceptions. Progressive leaders and their leadership teams can learn to effect similar changes to produce breakthroughs in performance and gain a competitive edge. For leaders and team members, it is their perception of reality, not reality itself, which constrains them.