Look closely at an unacceptable behavior pattern, and you will likely find a positive intention taken too far. For example, someone who is overly controlling may simply be taking the notion of his or her responsibility to an extreme. As a leader, understanding ineffective actions—whether yours or those of others—helps solve repetitious problems. In fact, gaining awareness of that original good intention can, over time, be the key to ending a bad pattern. Take a look at what’s not working for you and ask yourself: What is the positive intention that this behavior takes too far?
Note: In January 2008, over 100 of these tips will appear in my new book: Beyond Effective: Practices in Self-aware Leadership. Click on the image of the book at the top of this blog to be notified by the publisher when it’s available.
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