Leading effectively is a complex mix of skills and behaviors that don’t all come naturally and can’t be mastered quickly. To put it simply, to be a great leader, you must be a continual learner.
That is easy to say. It is easy to believe. But how do you do it?
Sometimes people say they would work on the leadership skills if their organization supported them, if they had more time and resources, or they provide me any number of other similar excuses. The six steps that follow anyone can do; no “yes, buts”, no excuses.
1. Just keep learning. Look for opportunities to practice your leadership skills. Look for situations to practice life skills that apply to your role as a leader. (Hint: THIS is a great place to start.) Watch other leaders and think about what they are doing great
– and not-so-great (there is learning in both). The opportunities to learn are endless if you open your eyes and mind and start doing it.
2. Get some feedback. You can’t lead in a vacuum. After all, you are leading other people.
Whether formally or informally, ask people for their feedback on how you are doing. Ask, listen, be open and be thankful. Then be diligent about capturing what you heard so you can go back to review and gain additional perspective.
3. Self-assess. Close the door, turn off the computer and sit down with a pad and a pen. Spend some time thinking about how you feel about your ability in the various skills needed to lead. If you need a jumpstart, use your organizations’ list of leadership characteristics or start with this list as a guide. Be honest with yourself both on your weaknesses and strengths. Write down your personal assessment as a part of building your plan.
4. Work on things you love. While you must recognize and work on weaknesses, you must also work on strengths. Think about the things you enjoy or already excel at. Ask yourself how you can get 5% better at those things? The answers to that question (and the actions you take as a result) are an important part of your learning and development strategy.
5. Find a mentor. The self-made person is a myth. Even if you could do it alone, why would you want to? Having a mentor will give you new perspectives, fresh advice and will speed your development. Find someone who has perspectives and skills you don’t have and humbly ask for their help. Chances are, they will say yes.ENT disorders or diseases concern ear, robertrobb.com commander viagra nose, and throat problems. Such penile erections are involuntary and discount viagra india can take place without sexually stimulating thoughts. Americans spent in 2006 more than 100 billion dollars on purchasing cialis 40 mg goods via Internet. Young men face erectile dysfunction moreover because of the problem of erectile cialis cheap generic dysfunction in them.
6. Avoid comparisons. We tend to draw comparisons between our weaknesses and the great strengths of others (which we naturally admire). While you should observe and try to learn from others, don’t compare yourself in a way that discourages you or to try to imitate. You are you, and no one will lead exactly as you do – and that is a good thing.
This is a solid strategy you can employ starting today. All you need to do is decide and take disciplined action.
When you consider the benefits of becoming a more effective and confident leader, it will be worth the effort.
You are worth the effort.
Kevin Eikenberry
Chief Potential Officer
The Kevin Eikenberry Group