Be the leader you’d like to look up to
One of the traits of an exceptional leader is the desire to learn, develop and constantly improve.
An exceptional leader is someone who positively encourages their team to do this and who also takes time to reflect on their own performance.
Exceptional leaders need to want to be the best leader they can be - the best version of you. In doing this, you’ll set a shining example for your team.
Time to look in the mirror
It’s natural early in the year to take time to reflect on the previous 12 months with your team. Looking back at collective and personal achievements and highlights can help identify areas for improvement and feed into objective and goal setting.
But how often do you do this for yourself?
An easy place to start is New Year’s resolutions. Did you make any? How are you getting on with these? So many of us set ourselves goals with a view to making a change in our life then fail to keep them, letting ourselves down in the process. If you’re not doing so great with yours, take a look at our post on How to make New Year’s resolutions and keep them!
When the team you manage starts to perform badly it’s all too easy to blame it on individual or group performance. It’s a lot more difficult for a leader to look at him or herself and admit ‘the problem is me’.
The exceptional leaders I’ve had the joy of working with are not afraid to hold their heads and hands up in this way.
How I strive to be the best I can be
Zest for Life is about being the best we can be. I want to be in the best possible position to support the senior leaders I coach and train. To do this, I constantly reflect on my own performance.
Last year, I set myself the goal of upgrading my CIPD membership to Chartered status. It was important to me to do this to ensure my expertise remains relevant to Zest for Life’s clients. This level of accreditation demonstrates my understanding and experience of a wide range of people issues and how they relate to organisations.
I was really pleased to achieve Chartered MCIPD status in January 2020.
Another area in which I’ve developed my thinking is around personality profiling. I’d always been sceptical about using such tools. People are complex and multi-faceted. I believed it was unfair to put people into boxes and label them with codes and colours. I’ve seen people receive their report, choose whether or not to identify with them, and continue with business as usual. Nothing changes.
I was also aware that different profiling tools produce what seem to be quite contradictory results. My own C’Me report left me feeling confused. I wasn’t convinced.
Following a couple of weeks’ reflection, I now view personality profiling in a completely different light. I understand that these simple profiles can be a powerful tool to help us appreciate our own needs versus the needs of others. How we can use them to value our differences and strive to compliment one other. And how teams can use this knowledge and awareness to work more effectively together. Embrace the differences, as each personality type adds value to our success.
As with any tools, some are better than others. My own reports have given me areas to work on – such as finishing what I started! I am great at focusing but can be easily distracted when a more exciting task comes along. By taking time to reflect I realised what my report says is true.
From a personal perspective, I now consider data rather than dismiss it and use profiling with clients to help them value their differences and relate more effectively. Teams that do this often take huge positive strides towards achieving their team goals and personal aspirations, constantly improving for the benefit of the business and individuals. Team members need to listen to the perspective of others when working together in order to take sound and considered action to reach their goals.
So what about you?
Have you taken any time to reflect on your own performance, objectives and goals this year?
It’s never too late.
If you’d like a helping hand getting started, download our free self-reflection exercise template and discover 3 things you can focus on to become even more effective in your work and personal life.
There’s real value to be gained from carrying out this exercise. Self-reflection is important to stay true to yourself and your values and be proud of the person you are.
I’ve met a number of leaders in the last couple of months that have categorically stated ‘The way I have lead has driven some great results, why would I change?’
The simple answer is ‘The potential of getting even better results is limitless’. If you don’t look in the mirror yourself you’re limiting the level of success you and your team can achieve.
Let me know how you get on with the self-reflection exercise. Zest for Life is all about continuous improvement for businesses and individuals, although this is often tricky, especially if you think you’re doing all right! So if you’re ready for a chat about how we can support you or your team’s personal development, please get in touch.