Demands, decisions and the desire for results set the day-to-day agenda for many leaders. Yet it’s very helpful to step out of that “do-loop” from time to time, to take stock of your own leadership. Without making this a practice, negative habits and routines can build up in your blind spot, getting in the way of your ability to learn new ways of doing what you do. Seeking out informal feedback from colleagues and getting a 360-degree evaluation done every few years are effective ways to gain an unclouded perspective. Such practices can lead you to make changes that upgrade your results, and your satisfaction. As you take in the feedback, remember to avoid ego and judgment— this will help you open your mind, turning any “ouches” into positive lessons that enable you to be a learning leader.
Self-coaching Questions:
- What can I ask my colleagues that will help me gain insight about how I am exercising my leadership?
- Whose opinions and observations are informed by direct observation of how I am doing, and do I trust to be candid with me?
- How can I prepare myself to avoid any ego response—like indignation or defensiveness—and open my mind and take in the feedback?
David Peck
Executive Coach and President
Leadership Unleashed
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Note: Over 100 of these tips appear in my book: Beyond Effective: Practices in Self-aware Leadership. Click on the image of the book for more information.
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