The Problem with “Can” and the Power of “Will”

How Great Leaders Move from Possibility Thinking to Purposeful Action?

The problem with “can.”

Who they can be.

Here’s the tricky part. The word “can” is a wide-open door. It has the potential to explore possibilities, come up with ideas, and diverge in your thinking.

In the context of leadership development, “can” represents possibility thinking — the imagination, innovation, and openness that fuels change.

With sufficient time and resources, “can” becomes limitless.

“Can I become a pilot in six months?” — Probably.
“Can I take on this new product line?” — Sure.
“Can I shift our brand positioning?” — Absolutely.

Possibility thinking is powerful. It drives creativity and innovation, both of which are essential leadership skills. But on its own, it remains air-bound — ideas floating, not grounded. Without will, can is just a maybe.

As leaders, the real question becomes:
How do I tap into what someone can be, without imposing my own idea of who they should be?

The problem with “Can.”
The word “can” is a wide-open door. It enables divergent thinking.

With sufficient time and resources, “can” becomes limitless.

“We can become an AI-first company.”
“We can take on this new product line.”
“We can shift our brand positioning.”

Leadership coaching often begins with this mindset — expanding what’s possible. But transformation happens when “can” meets “will.”

Possibility thinking is powerful. But on its own, it remains air-bound, ideas floating, not grounded. Without leadership, willpower and action orientation, “can” remains a thought experiment.

Over time, I have realised that in a team, you need both — the visionary leader, the one who says we can do this, and the execution-focused leader, the one who has the will to go ahead and make it real.

When the “can” and the “will” come together in one person, a leader is born.

That’s the essence of leadership transformation — moving from the idea of potential to the practice of purpose.

If you’re exploring culture integration, leadership development program, or team building workshops, ask your client partner (Aditya Pai) at aditya@yourarcteam.com