If you have a leading position within your organisation, you will be aware of biased opinions, flaws and doubts and that these are part of the human condition. The good news is that successful leaders don’t have to be perfect. However, it helps to be aware of your blindspots to be at your best in your leadership of others.
Do you recognise this?
- You are really busy, with a lot on your plate and so you have stopped asking others for input, are not including others in decisions and prefer to go it alone.
- You are judging people not on their intentions, but by their actions and your language unbeknownst to you is coming across as devaluing and mean.
- You are treating commitments casually and as a result show up late for meetings, miss deadlines, avoid being pinned down and often have an excuse.
- You don't take a stand in meetings when you know you should. Maybe you fear the impact of this but have never really looked at what this means for you.
Your thoughts and behaviours greatly impact others
Reflecting on how our leadership style effects others takes time and a willingness to step back and look at things from different perspectives.
Here are some reflection questions: Are you aware of your default settings? Do they help or sabotage you in achieving your personal and professional goals? How do you unlearn the ineffective habits then grow positive thoughts and behaviours? And finally...
How can you do this within your own profession as a leader?
Something we notice is the more senior you are in leadership, the more potential there is to become isolated and the less likely you are to get feedback. Being willing to look at blind spots requires you to ask for input from others you trust and whom you respect. With the help of a skilled coach and mentor you can be supported in all of this and to find new insights and new ways of working.
All these are actions of a spirited leader.
Be extraordinary,
Nicola and Anouk
