Let’s talk about beginning your leadership journey. It’s not about a specific place or time; it’s about a mindset. Before we step onto the path of leadership, we must anchor in the 'why'. Why do we lead? For me, it’s about reaching valuable outcomes and making an impact through others. It’s a triad of elements: outcomes, others, and ourselves. Each is crucial, and none can be overlooked.
Now, as leaders, we’ve got to acknowledge a harsh truth – we’re not as self-aware as we think. We’re judging ourselves based on our intentions, while those around us are judging based on their perceptions of our actions and what they perceive our intentions to be. This can lead to some pretty big blind spots, which can hamper our ability to lead effectively.
That’s where 360-degree feedback comes into play. It's not just about a pat on the back; it's about getting real, actionable insights from every direction. From the ones we lead to the ones we work alongside, we need that all-encompassing view to truly gauge how we're doing. And hey, you don't necessarily need a formal tool for this (although we've got one if you need it); it can be as simple as having a facilitator or coach collect this crucial feedback for you.
But don't stop there. Keep the dialogue open with your team. Ask them what they need, how you can support them, and how you can remove barriers to their success. Their responses are gold dust for your growth as a leader.
So, let me reiterate what I've been hammering home - do whatever it takes to pull back those blinders. Understand how you're perceived and how your actions are resonating with those around you. That clarity is your golden ticket to not just being a leader, but being a better one.
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"If you want to be a better leader, you must understand how you impact others not based on your intentions or preferences, but based on what they need from you." - @KevinEikenberry
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